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Name
shaza
- United Kingdom
Profession
student
Question
How would EU play its role in ensuring hijab will not be banned in Germany and France education system? How do we make the European which claimed to be similar in their culture and lifestyle to accept Islam which totally does not belong to this community?
Answer
Assalaam alaikum sister Shaza and thank you for your detailed and important question
First you ask how we aim to make the EU prevent the hijab ban.
Our answer is that we have to attempt to work through the systems of government we have available.
The European Parliament has a role in monitoring certain legislation and behaviors of its members. This includes ensuring that countries comply with European Legislation, such as the Human rights legislation.
As we know, the hijab ban in French schools, now also spreading to other countries, is against such legislation. We have therefore; with the support of 5 MEPs put a written declaration the European Parliament. If it is signed by 1/2 of the MEPs it will have to go to the parliament and be voted on. If this happens and it was to win the vote it would become legislation in Europe. While we could not ensure that all countries comply, it would send a strong message to all countries, and the European Parliament would have to ensure that ways were found to help enforce it.
With reference to Europe accepting Islam, you are right; people in Europe do have different values. However, if we stand up for our rights and beliefs, and explain to them why we follow this it will indeed make them think and influence their understanding of Islam. This is surely an obligation for Muslims in the west, as there is a lot of misunderstandings.
I hope that helps to answer your questions, for more information please see our website:
www.prohijab.net.
JazakAllah khair.
Name
T
-
Profession
Question
Salaam
I was hoping you may be able to answer my questions regarding this ban. I am studying this issue intensively for my final year dissertation at university.
Firstly, one of the reasons given for this ban is the silly notion that Islam has oppressed women and they have a lowly status. What is the overall status of non-Muslim French women? Do they have equal rights in France?
Secondly, what stance are all the political parties in France taking on this ban? Are they all pro ban?
Thirdly, would you be able to recommend any books that discuss this issue well? and finally, i hope you don't mind but would you kindly forward your email address so that i may contact you?
Jazak Allah Khair, Fee Amaanillah!
Answer
walaikum salam wa rahmatullah
Thank you for your interest in this important matter.
First, yes you are right; there is not only confusion, but also propaganda in the west about Muslim women's rights. As a revert to Islam myself I am aware I used to believe Hijab was a symbol of oppression. However, when I studied this it became clear that hijab gives Muslim women everything that western feminists have been searching for. In short, Allah gives us the hijab and its benefits are many, but one important benefit is that it ensures we are judged by what we say or by our faith, but certainly not by our bodies. This is indeed liberation. As for French women, I think they believe they are liberated, and I do not want to judge them, however we know that in the west there remains significant problems for women. For example, in Islam a woman can work, but her husband has the duty to provide for her financially. Often in the west women are in a "no win" position; they are expected to work and do all the house work, and look beautiful etc!
As for the French MEPs and MPs, some do not support the ban, and in fact we have one who is an author of the Written Declaration before the EU parliament. However, the support is not enough.
Lastly, while I can't suggest books on this specific issue please do check the website www.prohijab.net.
May Allah reward you for your research and make it easy for you.
Wassalaam
Name
Amal
-
Profession
Question
What can women do in the USA to insure that anti-hijab laws are not enacted here?
Answer
Assalaam alaikum sister Amal
Thank you for your email, it's an important question.
None of us should be complacent about this.
I would advice the sister that she can work at a number of levels.
Firstly, and maybe most importantly sisters in Hijab must be positive examples to all the community; if we can be active Muslims, helping our communities and being good citizen's people are less likely to believe the stereotypes.
Secondly, tell people about hijab teach yourself (I am sure you already know) about why we wear it, how it is a blessing and not oppressive etc.
Lastly, see if you can gather together with other sisters to lobby. You can draw attention to what is happening in Europe. Meet with other faith groups, show them how positive hijab is. Learn about the law and make sure other sisters know their rights.
I do hope this helps sister, may Allah reward you and help you in this important dawah.
Finally I would like to remind everyone that the sisters in France are also our own sisters, we should remember them and wish to protect them as of they were our own flesh and blood. Muslims have the blessing of being an Ummah, and there is no difference between them regardless of language, colour or distance. Let us all do our best to help those who are suffering from this ban by contacting MEPs and lobbying others. To find out more and to get sample letters and MEPs addresses please see the website.
JazakAllah khair
Name
Salma
-
Profession
Question
What can the Muslim individuals do to help you in this campaign?
Answer
Salaam alaikum sister Salma
Thank you for your question. The answer is we need all of your help in many ways!!
First of all please make duaa for us and for the sisters in France, and all sisters facing oppression.
We need people to lobby their MEPs urgently, as we only have until the 21st of May to get signatures for the written declaration. On the website we have sample letters and the names of all MEPs so you can find your MEPs and contact them. Also, you can tell other sisters about us.
Later in the year we will have inshaAllah a celebration of International Hijab day (in September) and lots of other events inshaAllah.
If you would like to get involved and help then please email us at
what is main different between Asy'ariyyah and Mu'tazilah?
Answer
walaikum salaam
Please refer your question to the fatwa panel, on this website. Sorry we can't help here.
All the best
Name
Abdallah
-
Profession
Question
I have a question, as a convert do not you face any kind of problems in the European society which are different from the Muslims by birth?
Answer
Assalaam alaikum brother
I will try to keep this brief, as I am meant to be answering questions about the protect hijab campaign. But it is a good question. Mainly I think the problems are similar, as I wear hijab many people assume I am not English. However, the biggest blessing is that the Muslim community have very much accepted me, which is one of the blessings of Islam.
Name
Adam
-
Profession
Question
Why we do not see the Muslims except in every crisis? Can you choose more constructive methods to enhance your integration?
Answer
Thank you for your question. I agree it can sometimes seem like that. However, at Protect Hijab we are trying hard to present a positive image of Muslim women all the time, not just in times of crisis. Of course this kind of action does not reach the public awareness so much. However, when the Muslims are suffering we do believe we should work hard to help them.
I hope that answers your question.
Name
habiba
- Morocco
Profession
student
Question
How can I know that Allah love me .Please pray for me.
Answer
Dear sister
Again I would ask you to refer your question to the scholars on this site, who can reassure you more than me, and have more knowledge.
However I can tell you that Allah has chosen "The Most Merciful" as one of His names, and He turns to those who make efforts to come closer to Him. One comes closer to Allah by doing actions which He loves, such as fulfilling our fard acts, reading Quran, praying to Him and giving charity.
May Allah reward you for wanting to be close to Him, which is the first step for all of us
Please also remember us in your duas inshaAllah. And remember the sisters who are in difficulty, in France and everywhere.
Name
Ahmed
- Nigeria
Profession
Management Consultant
Question
Why is EU worried about hijab when most women in EU countries go about 70% (or more) naked on the streets and nobody worries about them?
Answer
Assalaam Alaikum brother Ahmed
It is interesting indeed that people find Hijab offensive, but not nakedness. This is due to complex reasons I think. Some people genuinely believe that Muslim women are oppressed and have to wear hijab - they think that they are forced by men. This is why Muslim women must speak out about how Hijab is an active choice for us, and is something of which we are very proud.
Also in this society they have bought a myth, that freedom is everything, and it is free to wear very little. It is easy to believe this, when you grow up in a society that tells you this all the time; in media, advertising etc.
However, there are many non-Muslims who see the benefits of modesty, and it is something which has existed in this society and in Christianity (you only need to look at nuns to realise this!). I hope inshaAllah one day this society will again come back to understanding how Hijab is a way of respecting women.
At Pro-Hijab we do have support from a number of non-Muslim organisations who believe it is against human rights to prevent people wearing religious dress. These supporters include The Mayor of London, The United Sikhs, Liberty and the National Assembly Against Racism.
As Muslims we need to explain in a gentle way to people what we actually believe; that Hijab is a right for women and elevated their status. We must also campaign to support women who have been prevented from wearing the Hijab. To find out more please see our website www.prohijab.net
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Question
What are the tools that you have used in your campaign?
Answer
Assalaam alaikum wa rahamtullah
It is the aims of the Assembly for the Protection of Hijab is to campaign nationally and internationally for the protection of every Muslim woman’s right to wear the Hijab in accordance with her beliefs and for the protection of every woman’s right to dress as modestly and as comfortably as she pleases.
One of our main aims is to bring an end to the Hijab ban wherever it has already been imposed and to prevent the spread of the Hijab ban developing any further.
To do this we have used a number of approaches. First is to gain attention to this issue among Muslims and non Muslims. We have sisters who work very hard on media relations and alhamdulAllah we are increasingly well recognised nationally and in Europe. We have organised a successful march/gathering last September in Hyde Park and will have another event inshaAllah next September. It is really important for us that the Muslims of all persuasions unite for this cause, as it affects us all. It is also really important that the non-Muslims are aware that we do not accept this legislation, and understand why we love Hijab and want to defend it.
We have also gained support from non-Muslim organisations, which can help us to Lobby and gain support among political circles. We are also working on this issue with other faith groups who are also affected by the Ban. Further, we have been able to join with other Muslim groups throughout Europe, to create a unified campaign.
Currently, and most importantly for us at present is the Written Declaration which is before the European Parliament. Firstly, this has the potential to actually change European Legislation and policy. But further, the declaration is a good way of giving dawah; through it we are showing the Muslims and non-Muslims what we really believe about Hijab, and trying to support those sisters who are banned from school.
I hope this answers your questions inshaAllah. To find out more please see our website www.prohijab.net
Name
muslim
- United States
Profession
Question
How is the tolerance and acceptability situation about Hijab in Europe? Both among people and decision-makers.We know about France, and not so good news also comes from Norway, Belgium, and Holland. Are there some countries, which are more embracing than others? If yes, why is that?
Jazak Allah Khair for your efforts. Ameen
Answer
Assalaam alaikum and barakAllah fiqh.
Yes I think it is very important to be aware that there are different feelings between European countries, and even within them. It is also important to know that the problem is not just in France now, like you say it is spreading.
First of all, there are differences due to Historical reasons. France for example has a strong secular tradition within its legislation, which has existed since the French Revolution. They use secularism to justify banning the hijab, and other religious symbols. However, in reality France does not respond in the same way to Christianity as it does to Islam. Other countries have a stronger Christian influence.
A further influence has been regarding immigration and how well accepted and understood Muslim communities have been. In the UK for example our Muslim community has been here since the 50s and 60s, and is mainly from South Asia. The political climate in each country, with factors such as employment, also plays a part. Lastly there have been significant shifts in understanding since Sept 11th.
It is therefore very complex to summarise why Hijab, and Islam is more acceptable in some places than others. However, one thing is very clear. Unless we campaign, lobby and explain our religion and hijab we are all at risk. This is because in all nations there are a minority of people who wish to prevent Muslims expressing their Islam.
As you are aware, we are not passive recipients of our host countries treatment. As Muslims we need to engage in a dialogue with our host communities to explain our beliefs, where we stand and why. But further, we are also citizens of these countries and can give a positive contribution to them. As such we need to assert our rights and support those who are oppressed.
This is why Pro Hijab is campaigning throughout Europe to raise awareness and help those who do experience difficulties. I feel this is a duty and a privilege to explain and defend Islam. If you agree and would like to help we have lots going on! We need you to help in lobbying the media and spreading the word. Please see our website, www.prohijab.net
What is the stance of the European media towards your campaign? Do you have any coverage?
Answer
Assalaam alaikum Nihad
Alhamdullah we have managed to get significant media attention, through out Europe. In particular we had very good coverage of our Hijab conference in July 2004. We were able to get press from many countries present and reporting about this. We have managed to do interviews in Italy, Hungary, France, the UK and elsewhere - even in South Africa!
However, we are always in need of further support and coverage. We especially need coverage in the Arabic media, as this is an area of interest to all Muslims.
If you are interested in the media we have a very talented media team mashaAllah which always welcomes support. There are also many other ways to support us. If you feel you could help please contact us at www.prohijab.net
I am a recently converted 25 years old white English female and seek your advice as the correct costume to wear in Islamic law.
Thank you
Answer
Assalaam alaikum wa rahmatullah dear sister
Welcome to Islam!! You are very welcome. I would suggest that for a detailed answer you refer to the fatwa pages on this site.
However, I would offer you some words of advice. As a new Muslim it is sometimes necessary to take things in steps, so please do not let the discussions about hijab intimidate you. But your aim inshaAllah should be to fulfil the requirements given in the Quran, and haddith of our blessed prophet (SAW) to cover everything except the hands and face, this includes covering the hair and neck.
If you email info@prohijab.net I will send you more information, and also let you know about organisations there are to support new Muslims.
Lastly, mashaAllah, this sister wishes to know what Allah tells her, which should be the position of all of us. Please remember there are sisters who wish to wear hijab, who know that it is the command of Allah, and want only to please Him. Yet to do this they must lose their education, or their jobs. They face ridicule and abuse, and this is affecting them deeply. Please can I ask all who read this to stop for a second, make dua for them and commit yourselves to helping those in need of your assistance
We are in need of your dua and your support.
JazakAllah khair
