Is there a problem with Islam?

[LeafBud7]

My answer to this has always been, no, even if there are problematic elements within Islam especially for women, you can say the same about any culture or ideology, or religion.
I have been reading and thinking more about this recently, and i'm going round in circles. My brother in law is Muslim, and I am going to ask him what he thinks when I next get the chance for a proper chat, also a female colleague who I think would be open to talking about this..
In the meantime, what do you think? Is it as I have always thought, above, or is there something potentially within the religion what makes it more problematic, or is it not the religion itself, but more how things evolve in some communities? Is it all just a imaginary "problem" used by racists to whip up a storm?
One thing is for sure, it seems one is not really allowed to ask these questions in some circles, without being accused of being racist, which I find really unhelpful.

@anotherlevel what you've just posted, that it's important to not distract with the beauty of the other sex. Is this something children learn?

My understanding is that at home women don’t need to wear modest clothing, unless around male non-close family members who are visiting.

As for the segregation in mosques, you’re still in a place of worship which is why men and women dress modestly. As to why men and women are segregated, again my understanding is because of the nature of the praying position / bowing, it is to preserve the modesty of women. Therefore women are afforded privacy. Of course it can be argued that this is the fault of men for viewing women sexually even while praying.

Regarding homosexuality, it’s again my understanding that many traditionally minded Muslims do not believe in homosexuality as such. Or that it’s a choice.

*@psifreeze
"*So why the modest clothing if you're not around members of the opposite sex anyway? And what about gay or bisexual people, isn't there a risk they could still be "distracted"."

A common misconception about the hijab is that it's worn at all times. In reality, a woman only has to wear a hijab if she's going to be seen by a man who isn't her husband or a blood relation. If a woman is in a public place where only women are present, according to Islamic law she doesn't need to be covered.

I keep hearing different things about the Hijab. I thought there was no religious compulsion in Islam and that the Hijab was a choice. You're saying that according to 'Islamic law' she needs to be covered.

Is it mandatory for a woman to wear the Hijab?

If you are talking about distraction when praying, we bring up our kids to know that the focus is on praying and that we should avoid being distracted, obviously in a kid friendly way in which they will understand. Children are not obliged to start praying until they are 7 years old but each prayer is introduced slowly. They are not forced to by parents. Until then they are encouraged to participate if they want to so that they build a love for it as opposed to being forced to doing it.

I probably haven't explained it very well and I'm sure there are other posters who can articulate and explain it better than I have.

I specifically mean the message about beauty of the other sex as distraction @anotherlevel

At what age would your dc or did you learn that it was the reason for covering up?

@username101010 yes it is mandatory but it also depends on the school of thought you follow. Some scholars will say it's not and that women just need to dress modestly or that it's a man made requirement.

When we were taught to pray as children, it was always "hands together, eyes closed". I think that would stop a child being too distracted or fidgety.

I know the reasons behind it thank you very much. Misogyny, pure, undiluted misogyny.

But the PP said she was given a list of restrictions for visiting the Mosque, where she presumably would only be around women.

And it still doesn't explain how gay and bu people are supposed to cope, trying to pray surrounded by distractions and everything.

Sorry I misunderstood your question. I can't remember what age I was when I learnt it, it's just things we learn as we grow older. My kids attend Islamic school and these topics are covered according to their year group. I'm not sure what age that will be when they learn this.

@psifreeze I did ask the pp for the list of restrictions she was told so that I could help them or anyone else u understand it or at least give a reason for it but they declined to.

@psifreeze I'll get back to you on the second part of your question re gay and bi people.

Of course Islam has a problem with women. Women’s bodies are so sexualised that women are expected to cover up in ways that the men aren’t, because the notion of modesty is driven by the male eye. Just go to the beach or pool with muslim families and there is an obvious difference between what is expected of women vs men. Doesn’t the testimony of a woman in Islamic countries count for less than a man’s? Don’t women need to request male permission of divorce? The OP’s question is akin to asking if the sky is blue.

@MrTiddlesTheCat That's your opinion but I can tell you it's more than likely not the truth.

We see the rights afforded women by islam the world over. Just remind me, which islamic country is it that has equal rights for women, it's slipped my mind.

Scratch that, remind me of ANY country where islam treats women equally to men?

195 countries in the world. One will do.

So what is the truth? Why do women and girls have to cover their hair when entering a mosque but men don't?

Every religion has different ways of praying.

A lot of religions have a problem with sex. Yes I do mean actual sex. The rules about when, where and how. It changes over time and place but one thing seems constant, and that's what women are by definition. By which I mean women are either whores or Madonnas. We have to be good, we mustn't tempt men who really can't help themselves. We are always the guilty ones, it's never the fault of the man that he can't control his lust. No, it's women who are the issue. We have to cover up because if we don't men might lose control. It's why women are stoned to death, not the man.
Sorry but it's men who should be shut away, or forced to wear chastity belts.

Thanks for answering questions @anotherlevel. It's interesting to hear your perspective.

I have asked this too. And am interested

I also think religion endures beyond so many things as an ideology due to the way we normalise some of the beliefs to children

Thank you, and you're welcome. I don't mind having a healthy discussion about Islam and I do understand that Islam isn't for everyone because of their own beliefs which is absolutely fine. It's better to make an informed opinion with understanding.

@anotherlevel if women need to cover up so as not to distract with their beauty is the responsibility with the woman?

Ie what is the view of a woman who does not

Does the responsibility lie with men who react or the women who are the distraction?

Regarding homosexuality, it’s again my understanding that many traditionally minded Muslims do not believe in homosexuality as such. Or that it’s a choice.

That's depressing.

I could be mistaken about this, it is what I have heard from a Muslim woman regarding what her parents believe and it sounded like it was pretty widespread among older or traditional Muslims, but I believe @anotherlevel has said she is going to answer it so hopefully that will get more clarity.