Islam « Inner Reflections Transcribed

Eid Festivities

September 19, 2009 at 1:09 pm | In Family, Friends, Islam, Life, Muslims | 9 Comments

Ramadhan is now nearing to an end. And Eid is approaching. Often Eid is anticipated by many with a mixture of sorrow and glad tidings.

New apparrel, such as clothing, jewellery, shoes and gifts for family and friends are often given.

When we were younger we used to look forward to Eid because it meant receiving “eidee” from parents which was in monetary form. And amongst all my Muslim peers, eidee was the norm – you were given eidee from your parents, uncles, aunties. But once I ventured outside of my peer group, I realised people were going the extra hog and buying gifts – including wrapping them with lovely paper, ribbons and bows! I liked that idea and automatically considered it synonymous to Xmas, which I have always found to be a lovely time of the year (moreso than Eid)- less so for the religious value but moreso for the effort that “bling” puts, much to our advantage so we can enjoy beautiful light, glowing cities and towns and see it in a new light.

The only issue with giving gifts is making time during Ramadhan to go shopping. You are usually worn out from tiredness (mentally and physically – moreso mentally if you have had a busy day at work or home) and often day dream about the salivating treats you’ll find for Iftaar – the mere thought of heading to a mall straight after work, trying to figure out what to buy xyz person is as appealling as working a 24 hour shift.

But some us begrudingly eventually get there. Even if it is by chance. And we hope the effort we put into Eid is recriprocated, making it an enjoyable one for us and for the one’s we spend it with.

And may this Eid bring with it in abundance peace, serenity, contentment, good health, patience, tolerance, and blessings in our relationships, our self and for you all.

Eid Mubarak to you all whenever you choose to do it (Sunday 20th Sept or Monday 21st Sept ).

Share how your Eid day is usually spent

Ramadhan Mubarak

August 21, 2009 at 8:43 pm | In Islam | 13 Comments

Ramadhan Mubarak to you all. Our first day of fasting is tomorrow, Sat 22nd August.

May we all have a productive Ramadhan and seek its blessings where we can.

Banning the “Burka”

June 25, 2009 at 3:08 pm | In Culture, Discursive, Islam, Media, Men, Muslims, Non-Muslim, Patriarchy, Society, Women | 17 Comments

Recently French president Sarkozy, upon returning from Afghanistan stated that the burka was not welcome in France and argued for it to be banned despite it being a rare practise in the province.

There have been calls in favour of this , largely due the argument of it being synoymous with oppression and subjation of women, whereas others argue state intervention in how people dress to be a dangerous ground to tread, and its subjectivity.

Surely state interference in what is acceptable to wear in public (as France may very well be on the path towards) makes it similar to other countries who enforce various dress codes for its citizens (e.g. Saudi, & Iran – and Afghanistan during Taliban rule). These countries are often attacked for being limiting, intimidating and impinging on rights of its citizens as a result of their laws and regulations, some being puritanically enforced moreso than others.

Much of this discussion has spread into Britain which has its own chequered history regarding the niqaab, as was the infamous comment made by Jack Straw who found interacting with niqaabed women as “uncomfortable”. Others argue the aggressive alienation that niqaab perpetuates, it indicates “I wish not to talk to you” or “I wish to be different”. Perhaps the Emo’s, Punks and Goths (and the numerous other groups who pride on being “different”) are trying to be inclusive by their demeanour? Another commentator in a tabloid newspaper stated the niqaab prevents communication and explicitly states “I don’t wish to talk to you”. I don’t recall there being a single occurrence where I have witnessed a hubbub of conversation on the Tube amongst complete strangers. None of them are “impaired” by having a niqaab on. All but a rare few have their face on full show for communicative purposes, so where is this chitter chatter?!

Despite calls by some segments of the population to follow Sarkozy’s call for banning burka (niqaab), such an enforcement would not be possible in the UK which prides itself on being a multi-cultural country, and promotes cultural diveristy, where freedom of faith and religious practise is key. Much argue this multiculturalism is the cause of the lack of integration and assimilation of slivers of the minority ethnic, and was the often touted cause for the 7/7 tube bombings and concern over growing and silently breeding extremism/islamism amongst its Muslim minority. And of course the result of this and many other situations involving individuals from BME communities, has led to the increasing popularity of the right wing political group, the BNP.

Instead discussions involving niqaab and its undesirability in the UK have focused on issues of identity and security and have remained within those parameters. Very occasionally has the discussion spilled over the veil being a male symbol of repression of the woman quite as fiercly as Sarkozy has propositioned.

One would argue in a free society (which Britain supposedly is – despite the much Big Brother style surveillance) the state cannot dictate what is or isn’t acceptable to wear in public. So you can dress in niqab, hijab, a turban, a Somali style khimaar, Orthodox Jewish attire, long robes, small shorts and a tank top, vest tops and hot pants or in your underwear etc. Only thing illegal is nudity in public spaces, unless it is has a permit to allow nudity.

The argument of whether the niqab is a religous order or a cultural phenomenon is irrelevant as the primary focus in this discussion sparked by Sarkozy is the item of clothing itself and its symbolic association with repressive practises. Despite interpretations and associations of the symbolic nature of the niqaab (confused with the burka here) there will remain a proportion of women who will wear it with convinction of it being a personal choice, regardless of the arguments of its requirement or otherwise on religious grounds.

Should Neither Be Seen Nor Heard…

May 6, 2009 at 8:55 pm | In Culture, Discursive, Gender Issues, Islam, Men, Muslims, Patriarchy, Women | 41 Comments

…at least children are told they should be seen but not heard. Women it turns out should completely render their existence obsolete. As quietly as possible please, phase yourselves out, as not to disturb the sentiments of the menfolk who lose all sense at the sheer sight of our bony hands and round faces as per hijaab rules. Or eyes if you are privy to niqaab.

It irks me to find time and time again certain attitudes from Muslim women regarding how the Muslim sisterhood should behave, what characteristics they should have and ultimately what their role in the grand scheme of life should be. Please let me explain in more detail:

Women should try their utmost to not be appealing to men. This includes wearing “colours which do not attract attention” in other words black, to fit the appearance of a crow as per this hadith:

Abu Dawood (4101) narrated that Umm Salamah said: “When the words ‘and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)’ [al-Noor 24:31 – interpretation of the meaning] were revealed, the women of the Ansaar went out looking as if there were crows on their heads because of their garments.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.(Source)

They should not “invoke desires in men” by means of their garb, and their scent – so perfumes are out and BO is in:

‘Unadorned’ means not wearing perfume… they are commanded to go out like this and are forbidden to wear perfume lest they provoke men’s desires with their perfume. That also includes other things which are forbidden because they provoke desire, such as beautiful clothing and visible and expensive adornment. (Source)

Women should not make any noise whilst out in pubic, so tinkling jewellery, clicking shoes, jingling keys – all avenues to Hell.

She should not raise her voice, if possible she should not speak at all since a man may become aroused on hearing such a sweet murmur. Is a woman’s voice awrah or not? After all Aisha (ra) spoke to the men who came and visited her (from behind a curtain) with a finger in her mouth to distort her voice. But we are not subject to the same rulings as the Prophets (saw) wives were. Emulating them in character is one thing, but to effectively live life as they did along with the limitations and special injunctions they had is not a requirement nor a necessity for Muslim women. Having the opinion that a woman’s voice is awrah effectively makes her become mute, as all of her is awrah. But, on the flip side, it is said of course she can talk, but to do so firmly – no pleasantries; just in, command, purchase/enquire and out. So a “thank you” and a “have a good day” have no place in this fitnatastic world.

Something strange (which I found strange anyway) I wish to share with you all. A few weeks ago, I attended what can only be described as a small mendhi/henna function for the neighbours son. It didn’t even feel like a mendhi, I didnt think they’d have one what with being of a certain religious persuasion and so not of the singing kind (women singing out loud in the house? The shame of it all!) but anyway that’s a different topic altogether. What I want to bring to your attention is this:

We were sitting there, munching away as you do. And the doorbell goes, someone goes to answer it as is the norm. This girl (who is related to the chap somehow or other) runs into the room having answered the door exclaiming “Its a MAN” ~shock horror~ A man? A member of that species? Oh dear God. I had about to hide my expression behind my plate as to not give away the look which was forming on my face. It was a cross between “how pathetic” and “oh for God sake, what stupidity, are all women down in this part of the UK inherently man-a-phobic?” I have come across this “Its a man” phenomenon usually amongst women who wear hijab (strictly) whenever there is an impending threat of a man about to enter the room or simply waft across anywhere near where the women may be. “Its a man” usually indicates to take cover under your hijabs should you have decided to remove them in the first place.

If its not man-a-phobia then it is giving preferential treatment to the men:

The men will eat first, the women later even if there is ample room for them all to sit together to eat. Months ago, during my newly wedded days, I was asked by an extended family member if this type of gatherinbg was the same in my family I replied “no, we – the men and women- sit together and eat” – the response to that? “Oh we can eat how much we want this way, stuff ourselves silly w/o the men watching! hahahahah” – I think there was meant to be humour in there somewhere….
The men will get the roomiest of places to sit in even if they amount to a grand total of 5 people and the women nearing 20, including the children who harbour the kitchen or a small room off the kitchen.
The men when together expect their women to not be seen nor heard. God forbid other men catch on there are women in the house. The women are just there to churn out the tea and biscuits. And cook of course. Their existence amounts to little else but to serve men as he is their gateway to Hell and Heaven.
Women don’t have an opinion on anything. Even if they do, don’t voice it – it’s not very womanly to debate and go against the decision of the man

Children get the better end of the deal than women do it seems.

Celebrity Lives: Shariah Style

March 10, 2009 at 9:15 pm | In Children, Discursive, Family, Future, Gender Issues, Islam, Media, Men, Non-Muslim, Patriarchy, Society, Television, Women | 3 Comments

Ajmal looks at how shariah would deal with issues such as divorce, marriage and settlements and inheritance using the example of celebrities such as Paul McCartney & Heather Mills, Madonna and Guy Ritchie. Ajmal draws comparisons between British law and Shariah law. Some of the comparisons being surprising, and some not so surprising.

You can view the programme at BBC iPlayer

Ajmal recognises civil disputes to be real issues, and for those who have been participating in my blog discussions on these topics such as divorce and inheritance up til date will know I wholly agree. I am glad Ajmal agree’s too.