The Da Vinci Code

Cyril wrote: Angel Why do you avoid saying the hijab or the niqab is a religious obligation to Muslim women while Muslim men can walk around in the heat in short sleeved shirts?

Actually I never avoided anything.

The comparison with hospital gear or veils worn by old ladies is ridiculous because those are only worn for practical or fashion reasons.

I give you a practical reason, in winter it keeps you warm  and people do say that being covered up is suppose to keep you cool in summer, like you suppose to cover up in the desert  Oh and you might see that since muslim women cover up in summer they won't get skin cancer.

So there you got practical reasons  

The hijab is not only to conceal the hair but symbolizes the control that has to be imposed on women and their movements.

symbolizes control ???

Oh yeah those young muslims girls who play soccer are restricted in their movements.

They are supposed to remain at home unless they carry their home walls along with them.

I guess those few muslim girls who study at my work are in the wrong that they have stepped outside the home. on my they are bad  

carry their home walls along with them ??? what is that ?? are you insane or something

Cyril wrote: Angel You should study a little bit of Muslim culture. The home is the domain of women and the street the domain of men. Women must not be seen by strangers. That does not happen when they are secluded behind walls. When they go out in the street they remain secluded behind they veils which can be compared to the walls of their home.

Cyril,

Are you a Muslim? Don't you think as a Muslim I should know what Islam does and does not teach?

I think you are confusing the "culture" of a few majority Muslim countries with Islam, the religion.

What is it you find so offensive about hijab? That it is supposedly a form of control over women? Who is supposed to be controlling us, men? The Quran is the Word of God, as the Bible is supposed to be, so I would say that God is the One ordering women to cover themselves and be modest. No man forces me to wear hijab. I do so because God told me to cover myself.

However, as an offended Westerner should you try to control me by forcing me to remove my hijab?

I am an American, born and raised here. Used to be a Christian. I have worked most of my adult life, went to University, and travelled all over. I am not some helpless, victimized chattel of men who allows herself to be controlled. I choose what I do. I choose to wear hijab because God told me to do this. The hijab has not stopped me from doing anything that I want to do. I worked in hijab, I play in hijab, I go wherever I want, take part in charity events, play sports and games, etc...

I think that you and people like you are the ones who are controlled by ignorance and what you percieve to be "freedom" for women. If a woman chooses to be modest and covered she is oppressed. I believe the oppression of women is the mentality of the West that you have no value as a woman unless you are 25 years old, weigh 100 pounds, and dress provacatively. That is oppression and that is control. To convince women that they are nothing but sex-objects who have no worth unless they look and act in a sexual way. Why are there so many girls with anorexia and bulimia in the West? Why are there so many plastic surgeries? Why do the girls and women parade around half dressed? Even on makeover shows, the first thing they tell women is to show off their bodies. Why are breast augmentations the most popular form of elective surgery, and why has the number performed increased so dramatically? Why? Because in this "culture" that is the value women have. The size of their breasts, not the size of their IQ.

The hijab doesn't oppress women, it sets them free. Free to focus on their minds and their souls instead of what men find important: their sexuality.

after 4 and half years here, what do I know  

women must not be seen by strangers where did you get that from?? not everyone knows each other in the mosque you know at least a large one  Or attending one that is not your own.

And there are plently women seen on the streets either shopping or going to work or school, on the train, yeah not allowed to be seen by strangers , oh and guess what some are alone now that is some trust on the husband or father

I've seen travel documentaries on a few shopping centres in the mid east, guest what plenty of women shopping amongst strangers.

I do really think you need to learn a bit more about muslims and what is allowed in islam. Sure there is some segretation but what you say is not correct.

I am sure the muslims here will help correct you.

Cyril wrote:

"No they don't when religious freedom infringes on laws and on the principles on which Western society is built."

I don't know where you live, but in the States our society was supposed to be built on the principles of religious freedom. That was the whole point, escaping religious persecution in other countries. The laws, and the very Constitution of this country are supposed to protect the religious freedom of all who live here.

If you are from Europe, then I can more readily understand your position since Europe has a rich history of persecuting, subverting, and compelling those who hold religious beliefs different than the majority. Apparently not too ancient a history.