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Original poster

So banning the Burka - freeing women from opression or taking away free choice...?

557 replies

Portoeufino · 09/04/2010 20:23

I read that in Belgium there is a draft bill to ban burkas and also the niqab.

As they put it " There is nothing in Islam or the Koran about the burka. It has become an institution of intimidation and is a sign of submission of women. A civilized society cannot accept the imprisonment of women."

They then talk of "matters of public safety" - is that implying that if you wear a burka is it therefore likely you might have it stuffed with explosives? Or if you cover your face, then there are security issues connected with that?

I have to admit I am very ignorant about all this. DO women only wear this clothing because they are opressed? Do they choose to? What happens if it is banned? Are women freed, or will they end up forbidden from leaving the house?

I am very interested to learn and understand more about this.

OP posts:
Tortington · 10/04/2010 00:20

going out to w ork being a mans responsability has made me so sad.

i have no words

winnybella · 10/04/2010 00:18

Ah...I just googled and Koran says that capital punishment can be used, but what is interesting is that apparently in case of man murdering a woman the death penalty wouldn't be just...

and yes, puberty...the point is not that they have to be married off at puberty, but that they can. Many girls reach puberty at 10 or 11. So it's fine to do that, then, umayma?

dittany · 10/04/2010 00:13

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TeenyTinyToria · 10/04/2010 00:13

I have to agree with Casmama. It's such a difficult thing to give an sort of definitive judgement on.

If I had my way of course, then religion would all just disappear and the world would be a lot nicer, more peaceful place. Let's have morality and respect for each other, without the religious overtones.

dittany · 10/04/2010 00:12

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umayma · 10/04/2010 00:11

yes winnybella and how old were his other wives?

the minimum age for a girl to marry and go to husbands house is puberty.

there is nothing to say though that girls have to be married off then.

why don't you read Qur'an then if you're interested

Casmama · 10/04/2010 00:08

Going back to the original question - I think it would do no good to ban any item of clothing. That in itself is an infringement of civil liberties.
If any women are being forced to wear such items by their husbands then you would imagine that being prevented from doing so would result in them being banned from going outside which would be far worse.

It is interesting to have a discussion on peoples views but I don't think banning is appropriate.

winnybella · 10/04/2010 00:07

umayma, please answer my question.

umayma · 10/04/2010 00:06

yes its so funny dittany isn't it.

won't be so funny when you're in front of Him though.

winnybella · 10/04/2010 00:06

Well, wasn't the Prophet's wife like 9 or 11 when they got married?

So tell me, are there or not verses about punishment like stoning and cutting hands off for thieving in Koran. I actually don't know this, so honest question.

dittany · 10/04/2010 00:06

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dittany · 10/04/2010 00:04

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QueenMeerkat · 10/04/2010 00:02

Dittany, this is a topic which asks a question - everyone has a right to reply with their personal opinion. Just because you don't agree with it doesn't mean that it's any less valid as a contribution to the discussion.

littleducks · 10/04/2010 00:02

Sure dittany, but i'm sure you will understand why i wont bother to respond to your questions of me in future, as i did reply to you as a matter of courtesy even though i had asked you first.

umayma · 10/04/2010 00:02

where does Qur'an say u have to marry your daughter off young?

i see we have experts on sharia law here

winnybella · 10/04/2010 00:01

well, umayma?

Original poster
Portoeufino · 10/04/2010 00:01

Well I am all for open debate....though i have to go to bed now. It is 1am where I am ....I am learning a lot!

OP posts:
winnybella · 10/04/2010 00:00

he he dittany

dittany · 09/04/2010 23:58

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winnybella · 09/04/2010 23:57

Right...I'm sure there are some bits in Koran (as in the Bible) about capital punishment.
Presumably you agree with that? Stoning for adultery?

And weren't a lot of women in Koran very, very young when they got married. So since you take it so literally, you wouldn't mind marrying your daughter off at 11, I guess.

dittany · 09/04/2010 23:56

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umayma · 09/04/2010 23:56

yes but i don't cover my face due to my family being upset. i wear a jilbab (loose dress) and headscarf.

i don't mind anyone asking, ask away!

littleducks · 09/04/2010 23:55

Muslims believe that the Qu'ran is the 'word of God' which was transcribed in the time of the Prophet but was not written by man or altered by man (hence the heavy empahsis on learning the full arabic script off by heart so that it cannot be alterd)

Translations/commentries may have errors as may 'interpretations' of what is said but the actual text is believed to be error free.

"Umayma, you are taking few verses that were written centuries ago literally and think they still apply today"
So yes she probably is

umayma · 09/04/2010 23:54

yes Qur'an verses still applies today.

it makes no difference what century we are in. you are still going to stand before Him on Judgement Day, so you can argue with Him about why do women have to cover and not men.

good luck

Original poster
Portoeufino · 09/04/2010 23:51

Do you cover umamayma, if you don't mind me asking?

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