They said: "This could deepen the sense of alienation, scrutiny and marginalization of the Muslims there"

I said: Isn't this what the veil is designed to do in the first place?

The Europeans do not want a substantial Muslim presence in their societies. They feel that the freedoms which they enjoy will be eroded should their Muslim citizens start asking for Syariah Law etc. The Syariah of Islam is NOT compatible with their Western values and civil liberties.

So they feel that they need to make you European Muslims get used to their Non-Muslim, Western culture. I do not blame them. Some aspects of the Syariah simply cannot be implemented in a multi-religious, Non-Muslim country. Even here in multi-religious Singapore - the Government bans the hijab in schools. Muslim girls in Singapore do not wear the hijab in school.

Can Muslims get to implement the Syariah in Non-Muslim countries ? The answer is no.

At the end of the day - why should Muslims migrate to Non-Muslim, Western countries ? There are plenty of other places which accept Muslim practices and culture. But why are some Muslims so stubborn that they must insist on migrating to the Christian West ??

With the greatest respect, your argument is flimsy to say the least. You make no allowance for Muslims who have not migrated to the 'Christian' West but who are part of the indigenous population.

Please do not relegate our religion to a 'regional' religion only practised by certain nationalities around the world. Women of the 'Christian West' are the fastest growing cohort of reverts. They must be allowed to practice their religion in the countries and amongst the people who they feel a cultural, if not religious, affinity with.

 If you feel that Western society is really bad - then why don't you migrate to some place more friendly towards Islam ?

Because no person in his right mind would ever give up the freedom he/she enjoys in the west in favor of the barbaric, totalitarian, brutal and dictatorial regimes that are "friendly" towards Islam (and nothing else)?

No matter how you turn it, no matter how impossible it is to install shariah in the west, no matter how you turn it... the west still is a place where life in general is a lot more peacefull and possible when compared to the middle east.  We do not have religious police.  We do not have people running around with kalashnikofs in the streets - not even cops carry that kind of heavy weaponry.

While the US certainly brought a brutal fight to the doorstep of the Iraqi's...  you don't need the US or Israel to start fighting there.  Arabs fight on there own as well.  It's not without reason that Europe's immigration services are flooded with arabs from all over the middle east. 

Please do not misunderstand. The right for a woman to wear niqab or hijab is a seperate issue to that of forcing the Sharia upon non Muslims. The wearing of the Islamic hijab is no more forcing the Sharia on people than a nun wearing her Catholic hijab is forcing others to accept transubstantiation.

I agree with you that it would be naive and wrong to strive for a Sharia ruled West at this time. Insh'Allah, as this wonderful religion of ours is embraced by more and more people, as is happening at the present time, then a time will come when the Sharia will be desired by the majority. And the discussion of it being 'forced' will become totally irrelevant. Insh'Allah.

Read a good article on this issue.

http://www.yvonneridley.org/article.php?id=54

I think that the problem is not the veil. This "debate" is only a compensation for the failure of the western establishment. The West is being eroded in an unprecedented economic crisis at the background of the failure of the classic western ideologies and values. More, the West became incompatible with any religion, because the nature of the so called "free market", which is based on the profit, rejects the human being. The ideologies collapsed, but there are no new values to integrate the western society. 

SO THE CONTINUITY OF THE WESTERN SYSTEM IS UNDERMINED BY THE CRUSH OF THE WESTERN ECONOMY.

Let's not forhet that while carrying out the wars in the Middle East, the states involved with this oil colonialism became banana republics. .

Thus the anti-Islamic propaganda became a surrogate for a social "integration". In short, the crowds are told : don't speak out against the "free market" gulag, don't be aware about the climatic changes, don't object the abrogation of the human rights, because the "islammers" are there to kill you. The proof is the veil.

The question is if this propaganda works. For example in France, all the Muslims working for the Paris airport were fired recently and accused of being "suspicious terrorists". However this propaganda sketch didn't impress the French and now the police started to give back the confiscated accreditations to these workers.

I don't believe in the seriousness of the propaganda using the veil question.

Best regards.

Kirilova   

Asalamu aleikhum?

I THINK MUSLIMS SHOULD IMMIGRATE TO NON-MUSLIM COUNTRIES LIKE THE WESTERNS BECAUSE THE SOCIATES LIVING THERE WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT MUSLIMS ARE HARMLESS PEOPLE BUT THEIR LEADERS ARE MAKING BAD IMAGE TO MUSLIM TELLING THEM THAT IT'S  DESCRIMINATION  IF A NOBLE MUSLIM WOMAN WEAR NIGAB BUT IF I NON_MUSLIM MAN INSULTS A MUSLIM THE CALL IT FIGHT AGAINS'T TERRORIST'S BUT WE HAVE TO SOCIALISE WITH THEIR TEENAGERS COZ THE ARE THE FUTURE LEADER'S OF THE WEST SO WE HAVE TO IMMIGRATE AS FIRST AS WE CAN TO ESTABLISH MUSLIM SOCIATIES IN THE WEST TO REDUCE CHRISTIANITY  RULING THE WORLD.

"The Europeans do not want a substantial Muslim presence in their societies. "

Why? Because it's a culture that threatens modernity.

They don't want you to bring your customs over here.

Come over and work if you need the money to feed your jihad, I mean family, but GO HOME when your done!

I agree that  the niqab should not be banned unless it poses a safety threat.  One way to do it would be to have check points in all public places. It would be manned by security people such as the police. The woman wishing to wear the niqab would pay a fee of say $5.00 and agree to get a full body check.

We are not against teh niqab. We are afraid that Muslim women in niqab will load themselves with bombs and blow up our children.

How about Muslims reciprocating by allowing bikinis on the streets of the so-called Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia. 

I dont know where ur from, Mike, but do women walk around with bikinis in the streets?? The last time I heard, it was mostly on beaches and such.

In case ur wondering, Egypt (one of the Muslim countries) allows foreigners to go topless on beaches.  Check out anyone whos been to any red sea resorts and u'll find out. I swear it feels like I just took a plane out of Egypt and right into another place.

As for SA, I've been to several beaches, mostly Obhur in Jeddah and have seen many foreigners wearining bikinis ( a shocking sight after seeing black cloaks everywhere..the contradiction was huge) and even seen them in compounds by the pools.

Let's see it the other way round, now shall we? In Egypt, myself as a muhajaba, am banned to swim in certain beach resorts with my full swim suit on. Perhaps it is time for u to start worrying about people like me in Muslim countries instead.

 I think if we allow women to dress or rather UNdress provocatively under the name of "freedom", then those who choose not to should also have the same right.  It doesn't make sense to me to applaud those who walk around in minimal garments and frown in the faces of those who wanna cover themselves up. 

Salam.

In case ur wondering, Egypt (one of the Muslim countries) allows foreigners to go topless on beaches.  Check out anyone whos been to any red sea resorts and u'll find out. I swear it feels like I just took a plane out of Egypt and right into another place.

That is not my experience, this Western practice is frowned upon and I have seen several cases of people being asked to cover up.  I have to say I have had several run ins with people that use the argument well " I am allowed to do this at home or in Spain so whats the problem".  The problem is you are in a Muslim country with rules, take your head out of your *** and have some respect. 

The problem is you are in a Muslim country with rules

Check this out... "Well, i'm from taliban ruled afghanistan, there I'm not even allowed to take of my Burka or I get severely beaten by people without uniform and ugly beards"

"Well...  you are in a western country now and Burka is pretty much seen here as a symbol of oppression, and it is quite illegal.  So get you head out of the sand and take it off."

'nuff said.

The problem is you are in a Muslim country with rules

Check this out... "Well, i'm from taliban ruled afghanistan, there I'm not even allowed to take of my Burka or I get severely beaten by people without uniform and ugly beards"

"Well...  you are in a western country now and Burka is pretty much seen here as a symbol of oppression, and it is quite illegal.  So get you head out of the sand and take it off."

'nuff said.

That made absolutely no sense to me, can you translate?

that's right.

 the Problem now is not Hijab or Niqab! the problem is we are under secret worldwide government and they plan to do this things. they bring a so called muslim women to the Tv to claim like they were muslims and take their hijab to enforce on good muslim women to take theirs.

 in front of this problem, there are not much options to choose from! you see well that there is no freedom anymore and of course you feel the existance of the great Satan behind this kind of intended games. plus you get bunch of lunatic weterners wannabis all over the chatrooms who want dance like a monkies when they see Islam under attack.

 in front of all of this, I suggest that the brothers and sisters make more DOA to Allah for help than wasting their time with programs getting excuted on them. the great Satan lose when Allah is in your side. don't get busy with useless people and their islamophobie? do your best to correct your worship? because valid worship get you closer to Allah and if you are closer to Allah, you are closer to get His Help.

 I experienced that in my life, I'm child of a real atheist familly(never been taught about any religion, not ever the christianity) but I make it thru by trying to rely on Allah. it was an advice of a muslim to me, awhile back when I was cursing Islam, and it worked for me. I believe that when we forget Allah, He forgets us. when we try to do it our way, the Satan already got us.

 I said this and I ask Allah to forgive us for whatever we do wrong. Ameen

Ähmmmmmmmmm... a bomb under the faceveil? Are you dreaming? Should she hide it in her nostrils or her mouth?

DD

Thanks sceptic for your reply. the story is on BBC sceptic

Dutch MPs to decide on burqa ban

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4616664.stm

Now what do you think?

Niqaab is an arab custom, not an Islamic value.

Good Game.

I know some Dutch politicians have talked about banning niqab and burqa, but I am not convinced that it was legal to do so – there were some issues there, are these issues resolved? The BBC article does not cover that aspect.

Personally I do not believe you should interfere in what people wear unless there is a reason to do so. You should not cover your face when you enter a bank, participate in a demonstration etc.

Burqa is probably not a good idea if you drive a car or ride a bicycle – I am not sure that is a huge problem though – I have never seen a cyclist wearing a burqa.   

Show evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah to support your statements. Do not hide under 'scholar say so'. Bring appropriate evidence if you are truthful.

To Nosrul, Be polite

First. How dare u qualify her as "hypocrite" just because she states Niqab is not compulsory?!!

Second. Yes Niqab is not an issue of consensus among muslims. U can't deny it. There is a consensus over Hijab. Not over Niqab.

Third. Allha said وليضربن بخمرهن على جيوبهن" ولم يقل على وجوههن."

Brother Nosrul,

Assalamualikom.

Please, there is no need to call PM a liar simply by stating what is a known fact throughout the entire Muslim world. (that is with the exception of Saudi Arabia). 

It is true that scholars such as Yusuf Qaradawi, Mohamad Ghazaly, Omar Abd El Kafy and many others have said what PM is saying.  If u have no respect for such scholars whose knowledge and, possibly faith, far outweighs ours, than perhaps u have more respect for the interpretation and understanding of the very same verse u are disputing by the four main Imams (Imam Malek, Imam Shafei, etc)?

I urge ourselves to think of far more pressing issues, like how to help our Muslim brothers and sisters, instead of constantly coming up with ways to divide ourselves over issues which have long been settled. It is shameful that we carry on this way.

Allahuma balaght, Allahuma fashhad.

Salaams to all,

Briefly, the wearing of niqab is an Islamic practice although it is not fardh (obligatory) on the Muslim woman. It was obligatory on the widows of the Prophet pbuh. The wives of the Prophet pbuh are referred to in the sunnah as the 'Mothers' of Islam. Therefore if a Muslim woman wishes to emulate one of these 'Mothers' of our compassionate religion, then MashAllah. That is something to celebrate. Because there were no greater Muslimahs on earth than these women.

That is not to say that a woman who adopts the hijab will not have other significant lifestyle changes to consider. Take for example an acquaintance of my husband. Upon deciding to wear niqab she had to then shop around for a new employer who would allow her to practice dentistry with an only female patient list. This she has achieved, in a practice where the partners were all male and desperate for a female associate. She removes her niqab once in surgery, has excellent relationships with her famale patients, the partners have the female dentist they wanted.... and quite frankly everyone is happy.

I think it's utterly ridiculous that people are so terrified of a *piece of cloth*!

Not only that, it is also a gross infringement on a person's right to religious and cultural freedom. Although some would say the 'niqab' is not required in Islam, yet according to the beliefs of some, it IS. So definitely, it IS an infringement on religious freedom, at least in the case of those who believe in the niqab, as a religious requirement! The argument is NOT "does Islam require a person to wear a niqab", the argument IS - "does the state have the right to dictate to a person, what they have the right to wear and believe in?" And in other cases, it's an attempt to interfere with a person's cultural identity. Does a person not have a right to their cultural identity?? Since when??

I also don't think these 'bans' are even based on 'national security', in most cases. It is just a case of the law being used to endorse bias and discrimination. Such as in the case of girls not being allowed to wear hijab to school. How is a young girl wearing a hijab to school, related to 'national security'?? The ban is more about enforcing a 'social norm' than anything...

And it is, of course, also a direct attack on Islam, and the right to practice Islam, in all of it's various forms...The statement that is made by these bans is - "all those who wear a hijab and/or niqab, aka all MUSLIMS are assumed to be potential terrorists and dissenters..and this is a behavior, a belief system, a way of life, which we will not allow to have exhibited openly, in society. This is a behavior and a way of life we intend to punish, when we see any open signs of it."

I could perhaps see the reasoning behind insisting that a woman take off her niqab for a driver's license photo, or in some other situation where physical identification was really a necessity, but just banning it generally, in ALL public situations, is just plain and simple institutionalized discrimination.

It's all so silly and stupid, I can hardly even believe it's really happening, in these places that I once considered 'civilized nations'. (I am currently having to revise my opinions about the nations that are embracing these 'backwards' and 'primitive' policies. It seems to me, they are slipping back into barbarianism!)

What's next? Will they force us all to wear identical 'uniforms' and identical hairstyles, and claim we are 'creating dissent' if we do otherwise? Will these countries soon be declaring a 'national religion' and jailing anyone who refuses to embrace it?

This is nonsense that is totally out of proportion ! First of all - why did those Muslims migrate to Europe ?

Secondly - what is the status of personal freedom in Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iran and so on ? Are the civil liberties enjoyed in such countries - comparable to what you get in Europe ?

Answer these 2 questions honestly first before you start whacking the Dutch for the niqab ban.

I don't guess it's occurred to you that not all Muslims are 'immigrants' who have 'migrated' to the countries they live in?

You have completely failed to consider the circumstances of the REVERT to Islam, who may actually be a native of the land they live in.

The niqab is a religious choice, not simply a RACIAL custom. 

In an Islamic country, I do not expect people to be 'free' to live an un-Islamic lifestyle. That is the whole point of establishing a 'Muslim' country, to create a society which revolves around Islamic values...When one moves to such a country, one knows what to expect, so one should not expect anything other than to be under the dictates of Islamic laws and customs. If you don't want to live that way, don't move there.

But in these other countries that publicly CLAIM to grant the right to religious freedom, personal freedom, etc...they are being hypocrites in what benefits they claim to provide to their citizens, when they ban the outward expression of certain religious practices, or favor one religious practice over another.

If they want to ban or limit religious and personal freedom, then they need to make that a public part of their legal constitution, so people know what they're getting into, before they move there. I'm assuming the Muslims who immigrated to these nations, did so while under the impression they would be FREE to practice their religion, unhindered?

Do not call yourself a 'free country', if that is not what you actually are. That's my point.

alright I see you later.  take it easy with him? while I see you rough on him, I still see you doing the right thing due to his behavior. Kudos

Assalam Alaikom

wa alaikom assalam Akhi.

 I would not oppress him if he was behaving right.

And of course, we can say to the world the hadith which states that Prophet Muhamad pbuh never cursed or insulted anyone over and over again..and they won't believe it simply cuz we give ourselves the right to curse anyone who disagrees. 

How can u say "fookers" in one post then follow it with "salamu alikom" in another post?

While u have every right to be angry at those who say lies about Islam, we all are, that does not give u or me or anyone the license to start behaving improperly. 

And of course, we can say to the world the hadith which states that Prophet Muhamad pbuh never cursed or insulted anyone over and over again..and they won't believe it simply cuz we give ourselves the right to curse anyone who disagrees. 

How can u say "fookers" in one post then follow it with "salamu alikom" in another post?

While u have every right to be angry at those who say lies about Islam, we all are, that does not give u or me or anyone the license to start behaving improperly. 

Too true, he claims to have found Islam, but openly hates immigrants in his own country and refers to people as Niggers, Ghetto, just how do you combine Islam and your true belief  in one nice package?

I'm glad u agree with me, gpa.  I suppose an apology wouldn't hurt then, for telling me:

"take your head out of your***"

(http://www.islamonline.net/discussione/message.jspa?messageID=30071#30071P

now would it?

"take your head out of your***"

Sorry you misunderstood my point, i was reffering tto those westerners who do not have any respect for other cultures rules, IE if you go to Egypt on holiday it is not acectable to get your baps out in public.

hope that clears thigs up

Oh, ok then, gpa. I thought u were talking to me. My mistake.

But, take it from me, as an Egyptian, trust me that foreigners are allowed to go topless in certain beaches in Egypt.  Let me give u an example of a particular beach resort in Hurghada where my family owns time-share.  It is called Mirette.  U can look it up on google earth.  It used to be a resort where mostly Egyptian families vacationed while Arabia resort (right nxt to it) was flooded with foreigners.  I myself used to enjoy a couple of hours where they allowed muhajab women to go swimming in the beach, (and of course, no men were allowed anywhere near for those two hours).  The beach is seperated from the resort by a road and a tunnel so we were blessed with the privacy we got.

Then a couple of years ago, the resort got sold to owners who started building pools and rooms right on the beach..and starting targeting the international market ..foreigners who naturally ended up doing what they were accustomed to doing. Now they have bars which offer alcoholic beverages, (it used to be the only resort in Hurghada which didn't offer them). And, they do walk around topless (not all of them but I've seen enuf).

 First of all - why did those Muslims migrate to Europe ?

Why does anybody migrate to another country?

Because their home country sucks, that's why.

Well, I guess now they're finding out that ALL countries basically ****...

Guess that's because they're full of PEOPLE, huh?

I agree Joeyrae fully... guess the old saying holds true....

Why do Dutch people wear wooden shoes?  answer...So the woodpeckers don't peck at there heads.

The first posts are discussion, the last posts are racist.

Wich one is written in Quran, and promoted by Muhammad?

Choose.

God will see, and is well-informed.

edit; is reply on whole topic.....not on 1 person....

And attitudes such as this, give women all the more reason to 'protect' themselves from the abuses of men!

Having their worth as a human being, judged by the 'bone structure' of the face they were born with! Being subjected to ridicule, when their features are not considered sexually attractive to men!

No doubt, more and more women are going to find the niqab increasingly attractive, as the manners of more and more men, become increasingly piggish!

It's a widely known fact that most rapists don't even care about what their victims are wearing.

A veil will not stop a rapist of raping you.

Asslamu Alaykum

You said: Although the majority of Muslim scholars believe that a woman is not obliged to cover her face or hands, but it is up to her to decide.

Your statement is not correct brother! Face covering is obligatory in Islam. And every truthful and knowledge scholar of Islam believe in this. It is only the ignorant and those whose hearts have disease of deviation / hypocrisy think otherwise. Please read the following Ruling on covering the face, with detailed evidence. And please refrain from making such statement in the future.

Ruling on covering the face, with detailed evidence

http://www.islamqa.com/index.php?ref=11774&ln=eng&txt=niqaab

Question:

I would like to know those verses in quran which talk about the covering of face by women as i need to show it few persons who want to know whether covering of face by women is compulsory or optional.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.  

You should note that women’s observing hijab in front of non-mahram men and covering their faces is something that is obligatory as is indicated by the Book of your Lord and the Sunnah of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and by rational examination and analogy. 

1 – Evidence from the Qur’aan 

(i) 

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”

[al-Noor 24:31] 

The evidence from this verse that hijab is obligatory for women is as follows: 

(a)       Allaah commands the believing women to guard their chastity, and the command to guard their chastity also a command to follow all the means of doing that. No rational person would doubt that one of the means of doing so is covering the face, because uncovering it causes people to look at it and enjoy its beauty, and thence to initiate contact. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The eyes commit zina and their zina is by looking…” then he said, “… and the private part confirms that or denies it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6612; Muslim, 2657. 

If covering the face is one of the means of guarding one’s chastity, then it is enjoined, because the means come under the same ruling as the ends. 

(b)      Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “…and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)  …”. The jayb (pl. juyoob) is the neck opening of a garment and the khimaar (veil) is that with which a woman covers her head. If a woman is commanded to draw her veil over the neck opening of her garment then she is commanded to cover her face, either because that is implied or by analogy. If it is obligatory to cover the throat and chest, then it is more appropriate to cover the face because it is the site of beauty and attraction. 

(c)       Allaah has forbidden showing all adornment except that which is apparent, which is that which one cannot help showing, such as the outside of one's garment. Hence Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “…except only that which is apparent …” and He did not say, except that which they show of it. Some of the salaf, such as Ibn Mas’ood, al-Hasan, Ibn Sireen and others interpreted the phrase “except only that which is apparent” as meaning the outer garment and clothes, and what shows from beneath the outer garment (i.e., the hem of one’s dress etc.). Then He again forbids showing one’s adornment except to those for whom He makes an exception. This indicates that the second adornment mentioned is something other than the first adornment. The first adornment is the external adornment which appears to everyone and cannot be hidden. The second adornment is the inward adornment (including the face). If it were permissible for this adornment to be seen by everyone, there would be no point to the general wording in the first instance and this exception made in the second. 

(d)      Allaah grants a concession allowing a woman to show her inward adornments to “old male servants who lack vigour”, i.e. servants who are men who have no desire, and to small children who have not reached the age of desire and have not seen the ‘awrahs of women. This indicates two things:

1 – That showing inward adornments to non-mahrams is not permissible except to these two types of people.

2 – That the reason for this ruling is the fear that men may be tempted by the woman and fall in love with her. Undoubtedly the face is the site of beauty and attraction, so concealing it is obligatory lest men who do feel desire be attracted and tempted by her. 

(e)       The words (interpretation of the meaning): “And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment” mean that a woman should not stamp her feet so as to make known hidden adornments such as anklets and the like. If a woman is forbidden to stamp her feet lest men be tempted by what they hear of the sound of her anklets etc., then what about uncovering the face? 

Which is the greater source of temptation – a man hearing the anklets of a woman whom he does not know who she is or whether she is beautiful, or whether she is young or old, or ugly or pretty? Or his looking at a beautiful youthful face that attracts him and invites him to look at it? 

Every man who has any desire for women will know which of the two temptations is greater and which deserves to be hidden and concealed. 

(ii) 

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allaah is All‑Hearer, All‑Knower”

[al-Noor 24:60] 

The evidence from this verse is that Allaah states that there is no sin on old women who have no hope of marriage because men have no desire for them, due to their old age (if they discard their outer clothing), subject to the condition that their intention in doing so is not to make a wanton display of themselves. The fact that this ruling applies only to old women indicates that the ruling is different for young women who still hope to get married. If the ruling on discarding the outer clothing applied to all, there would be no point in singling out old women here. 

The phrase “in such a way as not to show their adornment” offers further proof that hijab is obligatory for young women who hope to marry, because usually when they uncover their faces the intention is to make a wanton display (tabarruj) and to show off their beauty and make men look at them and admire them etc. Those who do otherwise are rare, and the ruling does not apply to rare cases.  

(iii) 

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[al-Ahzaab 33:59] 

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Allaah commanded the believing women, if they go out of their houses for some need, to cover their faces from the top of their heads with their jilbaabs, and to leave one eye showing.” 

The tafseer of the Sahaabah is evidence, indeed some of the scholars said that it comes under the same ruling as marfoo’ reports that go back to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). 

The comment “and leave one eye showing” is a concession because of the need to see the way; if there is no need for that then the eye should not be uncovered. 

The jilbaab is the upper garment that comes above the khimaar; it is like the abaya. 

(iv) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“It is no sin on them (the Prophet’s wives, if they appear unveiled) before their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their brother’s sons, or the sons of their sisters, or their own (believing) women, or their (female) slaves. And (O ladies), fear (keep your duty to) Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Ever All‑Witness over everything”

[al-Ahzaab 33:55] 

Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: When Allaah commanded the women to observe hijab in front of non-mahram men, he explained that they did not have to observe hijab in front of these relatives, as He explained that they are exempted in Soorat al-Noor where He said (interpretation of the meaning): “and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands…”  

2 – Evidence from the Sunnah that it is obligatory to cover the face 

(i) 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you proposes marriage to a woman, there is no sin on him if he looks at her, rather he should look at her for the purpose of proposing marriage even if she is unaware.” Narrated by Ahmad. The author of Majma’ al-Zawaa’id said: its men are the men of saheeh. 

The evidence here is the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said there is no sin on the man who is proposing marriage, subject to the condition that his looking be for the purpose of proposing marriage. This indicates that the one who is not proposing marriage is sinning if he looks at a non-mahram woman in ordinary circumstances, as is the one who is proposing marriage if he looks for any purpose other than proposing marriage, such as for the purpose of enjoyment etc. 

If it is said that the hadeeth does not clearly state what is being looked at, and it may mean looking at the chest etc, the response is that the man who is proposing marriage looks at the face because it is the focus for the one who is seeking beauty, without a doubt. 

(ii) 

When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded that women should be brought out to the Eid prayer place, they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, some of us do not have jilbaabs.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Let her sister give her one of her jilbaabs to wear.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim. 

This hadeeth indicates that the usual practice among the women of the Sahaabah was that a woman would not go out without a jilbaab, and that if she did not have a jilbaab she would not go out. The command to wear a jilbaab indicates that it is essential to cover. And Allaah knows best. 

(iii) 

It was narrated in al-Saheehayn that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend the prayer with him, wrapped in their veils, then they would go back to their homes and no one would recognize them because of the darkness. She said: If the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw from the women what we have seen, he would have prevented them from coming to the mosques as the Children of Israel prevented their women. 

A similar report was also narrated by ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him). 

The evidence from this hadeeth covers two issues: 

1 – Hijaab and covering were the practice of the women of the Sahaabah who were the best of generations and the most honourable before Allaah. 

2 – ‘Aa’ishah the Mother of the Believers and ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with them both), who were both known as scholars with deep insight, said that if the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had seen from women what they had seen, he would have prevented them from coming to the mosques. This was during the best generations, so what about nowadays?! 

(iv)  

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever lets his garment drag out of pride, Allaah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.” Umm Salamah said, “What should women do with their hems?” He said, “Let it hang down a handspan.” She said, “What if that shows her feet?” He said, “Let it hang down a cubit, but no more than that.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi. 

This hadeeth indicates that it is obligatory for women to cover their feet, and that this was something that was well known among the women of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them). The feet are undoubtedly a lesser source of temptation than the face and hands, so a warning concerning something that is less serious is a warning about something that is more serious and to which the ruling applies more. The wisdom of sharee’ah means that it would not enjoin covering something that is a lesser source of temptation and allow uncovering something that is a greater source of temptation. This is an impossible contradiction that cannot be attributed to the wisdom and laws of Allaah. 

(v) 

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam. When they came near us we would lower our jilbaabs from our heads over our faces, and when they had passed by we would uncover our faces. Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1562.

 The words “When they came near us we would lower our jilbaabs from our heads over our faces” indicate that it is obligatory to cover the face, because what is prescribed in ihraam is to uncover it. If there was no strong reason to prevent uncovering it, it would be obligatory to leave it uncovered even when the riders were passing by. In other words, women are obliged to uncover their faces during ihraam according to the majority of scholars, and nothing can override something that is obligatory except something else that is also obligatory. If it were not obligatory to observe hijab and cover the face in the presence of non-mahram men, there would be no reason not to uncover it in ihraam. It was proven in al-Saheehayn and elsewhere that a woman in ihraam is forbidden to wear the niqaab (face veil) and gloves. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: This is one of the things which indicate that the niqaab and gloves were known among women who were not in ihraam, which implies that they covered their faces and hands. 

These are nine points of evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunnah. 

The tenth is: 

Rational examination and analogy which form the basis of this perfect sharee’ah, which aims to help people achieve what is in their best interests and encourages the means that lead to that, and to denounce evil and block the means that lead to it. 

If we think about unveiling and women showing their faces to non-mahram men, we will see that it involves many bad consequences. Even if we assume that there are some benefits in it, they are very few in comparison with its negative consequences. Those negative consequences include: 

1 – Fitnah (temptation). By unveiling her face, a woman may be tempted to do things to make her face look more beautiful. This is one of the greatest causes of evil and corruption. 

2 – Taking away haya’ (modesty, shyness) from women, which is part of faith and of a woman’s nature (fitrah). Women are examples of modesty, as it was said, “more shy than a virgin in her seclusion.” Taking away a woman’s modesty detracts from her faith and the natural inclination with which she was created. 

3 – Men may be tempted by her, especially if she is beautiful and she flirts, laughs and jokes, as happens in the case of many of those who are unveiled. The Shaytaan flows through the son of Adam like blood. 

4 – Mixing of men and women. If a woman thinks that she is equal with men in uncovering her face and going around unveiled, she will not be modest and will not feel too shy to mix with men. This leads to a great deal of fitnah (temptation) and widespread corruption. Al-Tirmidhi narrated (5272) from Hamzah ibn Abi Usayd from his father that he heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say, when he was coming out of the mosque and he saw men mingling with women in the street; the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to the women, “Draw back, and do not walk in the middle of the road; keep to the sides of the road.” Then the women used to keep so close to the walls that their garments would catch on the walls because they kept so close to them. 

Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 929 

Adapted from the words of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) in Risaalat al-Hijaab. 

And Allaah knows best.Islam Q&A

http://www.islamqa.com/index.php?ref=21134&ln=eng&txt=niqaab

Do women have to wear niqaab?

Question:

Is wearing niqaab one of the conditions of Islamic dress for women?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

Hijaab in Arabic means covering or concealing. Hijaab is the name of something that is used to cover. Everything that comes between two things is hijaab. 

Hijaab means everything that is used to cover something and prevent anyone from reaching it, such as curtains, door keepers and garments, etc. 

Khimaar comes from the word khamr, the root meaning of which is to cover. For example, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Khammiru aaniyatakum (cover your vessels).” Everything that covers something else is called its khimaar. 

But in common usage khimaar has come to be used as a name for the garment with which a woman covers her head; in some cases this does not go against the linguistic meaning of khimaar. 

Some of the fuqahaa’ have defined it as that which covers the head, the temples and the neck. 

The difference between the hijaab and the khimaar is that the hijaab is something which covers all of a woman’s body, whilst the khimaar in general is something with which a woman covers her head. 

Niqaab is that with which a woman veils her face (tantaqib)… 

The difference between hijaab and niqaab is that the hijaab is that which covers all the body, whilst niqaab is that which covers a woman’s face only. 

The woman’s dress as prescribed in sharee’ah (“Islamic dress”) is that which covers her head, face and all of her body. 

But the niqaab or burqa’ – which shows the eyes of the woman – has become widespread among women, and some of them do not wear it properly.  Some scholars have forbidden wearing it on the grounds that it is not Islamic in origin, and because it is used improperly and people treat it as something insignificant, demonstrating negligent attitudes towards it and using new forms of niqaab which are not prescribed in Islam, widening the opening for the eyes so that the cheeks, nose and part of the forehead are also visible. 

Therefore, if the woman’s niqaab or burqa’ does not show anything but the eyes, and the opening is only as big as the left eye, as was narrated from some of the salaf, then that is permissible, otherwise she should wear something which covers her face entirely. 

Shaykh Muhammad al-Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

The hijaab prescribed in sharee’ah means that a woman should cover everything that it is haraam for her to show, i.e., she should cover that which it is obligatory for her to cover, first and foremost of which is the face, because it is the focus of temptation and desire. 

A woman is obliged to cover her face in front of anyone who is not her mahram (blood relative to whom marriage is forbidden). From this we learn that the face is the most essential thing to be covered. There is evidence from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the views of the Sahaabah and the imams and scholars of Islam, which indicates that women are obliged to cover all of their bodies in front of those who are not their mahrams. 

Fataawa al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, 1/ 391, 392) 

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) said: 

The correct view as indicated by the evidence is that the woman’s face is ‘awrah which must be covered. It is the most tempting part of her body, because what people look at most is the face, so the face is the greatest ‘awrah of a woman. This is in addition to the shar’i evidence which states that it is obligatory to cover the face. 

For example, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)…”

[al-Noor 24:31]                                                                

Drawing the veil all over the juyoob implies covering the face. 

When Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) was asked about the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies”

[al-Ahzaab 33:59] – 

he covered his face, leaving only one eye showing. This indicates that what was meant by the aayah was covering the face. This was the interpretation of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) of this aayah, as narrated from him by ‘Ubaydah al-Salmaani when he asked him about it. 

In the Sunnah there are many ahaadeeth, such as: the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The woman in ihraam is forbidden to veil her face (wear niqaab) or to wear the burqa’.” This indicates that when women were not in ihraam, women used to cover their faces. 

This does not mean that if a woman takes off her niqaab or burqa’ in the state of ihraam that she should leave her face uncovered in the presence of non-mahram men. Rather she is obliged to cover it with something other than the niqaab or burqa’, on the evidence of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said: “We were with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam, and when men passed by us, we would lower the khimaar on our heads over our faces, and when they moved on we would lift it again.” 

Women in ihraam and otherwise are obliged to cover their faces in front of non-mahram men, because the face is the center of beauty and it is the place that men look at… and Allaah knows best. 

Fataawa al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, 1/396, 397 

He also said: 

It is OK to cover the face with the niqaab or burqa’ which has two openings for the eyes only, because this was known at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and because of necessity. If nothing but the eyes show, this is fine, especially if this is customarily worn by women in her society. 

Fataawa al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, 1/399 

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

To Nosrul, Be polite

First. How dare u qualify someone as "hypocrite" just because he states Niqab is not compulsory?!!

Second. Yes and yes. Niqab is not an issue of consensus among muslims. U can't deny it. There is a consensus over Hijab. Not over Niqab.

Third. Allha said وليضربن بخمرهن على جيوبهن" ولم يقل على وجوههن."

لو كان النقاب فرضا لقال "وليضربن بخمرهن على وجوههن".

1. Niqab is an arab custom, not an islamic one, nore is it obligated by Islam to wear it.

2. the Niqab is the embodiment of the lack of freedom under Taliban-esq regimes.  A niqab is a "free" woman's prison.

3. it's a "get-out-of-jail-freecard" and a global threat to security of everyday citizens (muslims as well as others)

4. it is a tool that only brings forward apartheid rather then unity, wich in turn again is a burden on freedom as we know it.

5. I support it fully, and many more countries will follow in the Dutch footsteps.

6. I will be the first to protest in objection to the same treatment on hijab, where the face is visible.  I'll even protest that hard, that I will protest before muslims themselves get that far.  Just to show you that my stance on Niqab has nothing to do with Islam or whatever, but everything with solidarity, respect, freedom a better life for everybody.

Would you provide a source of your information, please? Any government site or newspaper? If you can't prove your claim... it's a hoax!

Thanks

DD

 Here is a peace of information more: the is no niqab ban law, but the parliament is to debate it!

http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/03/dutch-cabinet-to-decide-on-muslim-veil.php

DD

PS: posting a hoax is contraproductive and doesn't add to the posters credibility!

Assalam,

With deep consience, i would like to make it clear that There is no religion in this world that give chance to indecency. The issue of Niqab or Hijab is a religious duty upon  any Muslim women. Seems that there is freedom of speech, freedom expression, freedom of religion among others in the west. Why is only Niqab? Why?, so the freedom of religion is undoubtedly violeted in this scene. Since even religious duties of Muslims women want to be conspitely steal from them. It took me quite sometime before i figure out what exactly west are after for. With true idealogy and understanding, western world are looking at the religion of Islam and its belove followers are a treat to their lust and desires. If we look at the societal influence and moral upbringing of the western world are too social with no boundiries nor limitations and so-called sense of liberation and liberty, as a result they can't cope with the moral values of Islam. This is not honest at all to them.

Going not beyond the fact the western world are decieving themselves in pointing aquising fingers on Islam and Muslims. Instead for them to find out the realm and realism behind the religion of Islam, they are there ingraving themselves with currupts minds indicting their innocent children to grewup with hetred and like of unity and sense of belonging.

Islam is a religion of peace that recognices every creation most importantly human being. It's quite unfortunate to see alots of Muslims who knows the boundries and limitation of their religion but subjected to variours falsely images and materialistic life that lead themselves to weaken their faiths in coping with some of the western cultures and liberties with directly contradicted with their believe and conviction. As a result they presented bad image of the rest of the Muslims towards those that are not Muslims.

I am sorry to say that most of the references that western world are making towards Muslims are directed seen from those Non- practising Muslims. Let me asuredly here say that No matter what! No matter how!!, if you want to kno more about Islam learn it from its source not from its followers. The same thing applied to every religion.

May God help us and make those who don't kno neither understand what Religion of Islam mean to them.

May peace and blessing of God be upon to his honourable Prophets. Ameen

Bashir

how can you mention freedom and the netherlands in the same sentence after this atrocity??

you don't have freedom in Holland. you had what called "attracting money by allowing what others can not allow". whoever knows Holland and the queen of Holland, knows well there is no freedom there. even when you talk to people in America about Holland, they say there is freedom there because there is free drugs streets. they have no clue about the constitution of this female's kingdom. they don't know the reality like the people who live inside Holland, they don't know that you can not win any case in court against the queen of devils . they don't know  The Queen's official birthday (Koninginnedag) is a national holiday, which is celebrated by street parties and other events.

 Van Gogh can be torutred and no one knows about it, if he had critisized the lesbian life of the qureens. whenever I hear my friends speaking about freedom in Holland, I just laugh.

 most of the nations arround the world does not have a clear definition of freedom, many of them consider any european country to be the defintion of  freedom. the reality many european countries are rich countries but lack freedom. outside France, it is hard for you to find a country that has a real freedom in Europe...

salamz...

this is what that has been propagated by USA in counterring terrorist....they have influenced the world to view Muslim as terrorist.....they full with doubt about the wearing of hijab and niqab....they thought that, Muslim hide a weapon or bomb in hijab and niqab....

as we known, many Europe countries promote to the world about freedom...they promote to the world that they give freedom to their people...but, do they really implement and understand the meaning of freedom....?do they just implement and propagate freedom just for their political and economic interest and purposes?

Muslim women should be given opportunity to practice their right...although niqab is not compulsory to be wear...but, many Muslim women comfortable by wearing niqab....

wearing niqab is just not about protect face from dirty stuff and air, but also as a mechanism to protect the pride of Muslim women...  

I wear a niqab and live in a western country. Wearing a niqab, for me, is an honor, an opporunity to show Allah that I want to be modest for Him. I've had many experiences wearing a niqab. Some bad and some good. And masha Allah, I must say, some of them totally surprised me! For instance, I was sitting in my philosophy lecture hall once and during the in-between break the professor actually came up to me himself, knelt down a bit, and spoke to me with consideration. He said that for the midterm exam I would need to show my student card for identification and that he would have a female TA come and see my face. Allah could not have made it easier for me!

I think it is true that it is best to live in a muslim country...but it is not so bad wearing the Islamic dress code in the western world either. I like to remember the good experiences more than the bad and it really does help! And insha Allah, as more people revert and/or understand Islam and its values, it will become easier.

The important thing is to WEAR IT. The more it is seen, the more familiarized will people be with it and the less opposed. This has worked for me in many cases....where once I start talking politely to another non-muslim woman, her face lights up at my soft tone, and she talks to me as to any other woman. Be yourself! Talk like you are proud of what you're doing....and people will come to admire you for your confidence!

Honourable Sister,

You have said the best thing... May Allah envelope you in His Rehma forever....Ameen.

I have experienced the same thing in my life..."Remember Me and I will remember you" as He said.... :)

I completely agree with you. May Allah sends his blessing to you and all those who follow Islam with the sole purpose of pleasing Allah. Living in a Western country is an opportunity for Muslims to spread the message of Islam. I wholly disagree with people who say Muslims should not migrate to Western countries. There will be bad experiences when you living amidst non muslims who have no information about Islam other than the propoganda spread by thier media. But a Muslim should be steadfast in his faith. Our conduct and character should be such as to draw the non muslims to revert to Islam.

I would say we should first improve ourselves by strictly following the Quran and Sunnah so as to be example for others to follow. There is no doubting the moral decay of western world, which unfortunately they have come to think as progress/freedom. It is strictly our responsibility to bring them to the right path, by setting example.

We can find in all the posts above people accuse Islam looking at the people who claims to be Muslims, but never really follow the principles and teachings of Islam.

Dear Sister,

Mashhallah, may Allah reward u well. What u r doing is a big thing, not anyone can do it. While u have all my respect for taking that decision in a non-Muslim country, I am glad to read that ur taking a positive approach and not a defensive one.

Many of those who choose to wear niqab in Egypt these days (increasingly so) are faced with intolerance and suspicion in a Muslim country.  A woman wearing niqab is seen by many Egyptians as someone who is taking her faith to an extreme level. And with some bad examples around, a woman wearing niqab becomes an object of doubt rather than admiration.

May Allah help u in ur endeaver and may u continue being friendly, peaceful and kind and setting a good example.