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14/09/2016

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra of the Muslim Council of Britain.

2 minutes

Last on

Wed 14 Sep 2016 05:43

Hijabs, niqabs & burkinis

Good morning.

As a Muslim leader I find it frustrating that the media portrayal of Muslim women – especially in some parts of the popular press in France and the UK - and the politicisation particularly of their dress, has led to misconceptions about Islam as a religion.

It’s a sad fact though that such misconceptions are made worse by an unhelpful phenomenon which is rather un-Islamic. The behaviour of some Muslim men towards the women in their communities clearly shows unequal treatment. As if terrorism wasn’t bad enough, such bad practices also make the headlines. The mismatch between what Islam teaches and how Muslim women are treated inevitably damages the reputation of Islam. Even authentic Islamic practices for example in the area of dress, which many women themselves wish to observe for the sake of their own modesty, can then become unwelcome.

Muslim women are challenging the restrictive cultural practices and claiming their rights given by Islam to become more empowered. They are contributing immensely to education, science, health, business, sport and also the media. Nadiya Hussain, winner of the Great British Bake Off looks like she’s set to become a media star. β€œSince I won, things have changed massively for us” she says, but husband Abdal has changed his work patterns to be around for the family when she can’t be.

The Qur’an reminds us, β€˜O, mankind! We created you from a single male and female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed the most honoured of you in the sight of God is the one who is most righteous.’

Lord, enable us to respect, honour and treat everyone equally, amin.
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  • Wed 14 Sep 2016 05:43

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