My Thoughts on the Burkha * 78

 

I have been thinking of the Burkha for some time and wondering whether it is a mark of identity or a mark of subjugation. Frankly I can get no answer to this question. But again I am thinking that with the European countries banning the Burkha, then perhaps there must be something not proper about it. The Burkha is slightly different from the Niqab.

After the ban on the Burkha in France, Muslim clerics there defended the decision and brought out that it was a mark of subjugation. Now that I have  question; why is only a woman supposed to wear the Hijab an d not the man ?

Many do not also wear it, as it is not compulsory like in India, but in orthodox Moslem nations like Saudi Arabia wearing the Hijab is mandatory and there is no choice in the matter. Failure to wear the Burkha in these hard line states can invite action from the religious police

 but there is no doubt that wearing of the Burkha is not mandatory. Islam only mentions that women be dressed soberly and not show themselves. The Burkha is an invention of the hard line Moslem clerics. But now many a terrorist in the garb of a Burkha has been able enter a high security area and explode bombs.

 I have another facet and that will confuse a lot many people. I have a Muslim girl friend. Earlier  on an evening out with me she never wore the Burkha, but now she has started wearing one.  On my questioning her as to why she had worn it, she replied that it was not a constraint and all she wanted to do was emphasize her identity as a Moslem. As an educated lady she felt it was a symbol of her freedom as well as a mark of identity, and for that reason she liked to wear it.

The Burkha however has become part of politics with hardliners on both sides having divergent views. Some visualize it as mark of subjugation while others say it is a mark of individuality. Many European nations are moving ahead to ban the Burkha in the public place. Maybe they have a point, but in India it thrives and is a mark of identity and many women wear it. It cannot be wished away.