MUSLIMS UNVEILED07-10-2006
Cabinet Minister Jack Straw has revealed that he asks Muslim women to remove their veils when they visit his constituency surgery and would prefer it if they were to remove them completely, as this would help to improve integration and ‘community relations'. This has yet again caused what I see as a complete over reaction by a minority in the Muslim community. My position is that Muslim women should be required to remove their veils under certain circumstances. I must say that I feel uncomfortable if someone approaches me with a hoodie on or with their face concealed or if they drive up along side me with their car windows smoked out. Why should a veil be different? This is not racist or xenophobic or even disrespectful to Islam as far as I'm aware. I have spoken to a number of my Muslim friends to understand the importance of the veil and I've been told that it is not a religious requirement but a custom and tradition, and is seen as a form of submission and respect for the man. It is also a sign of modesty. This is very similar to the custom of wearing a hat or scarf by women in the Christian church, but in this case it is mainly done when the woman is praying or prophesying during the act of worship. I do not believe Jack Straws comments should be seen as a command or a law, but he has a right to voice his views just as the Muslim community is free to exercise their rights to freedom of speech as well as their right to protest in this country. I am increasingly concerned at the predictable behaviour of some within the Muslim community, who feel that by throwing a tantrum they can dominate the free speech agenda. If something is said that is not right, let's have a mature debate and discuss the matter properly. Why does this inflexible minority think they have the right to impose ‘silence' on any voice that may not accept or agree with things that they do - this is complete hypocrisy and is simply not fair. In a time when we are all trying to work towards community cohesion and further ways of supporting each other, there are those within the Muslim community who want to have their cake and eat it; when it suits them there are British but when it does not...they aren't. Britain is a country that has its own culture and traditions and if any of these harm or hurt anyone, then they should be looked at and changed. But we should not be held to ransom by the small number who think Britain should be turned into an Islamic state. I am increasingly worried that we in Britain are under pressure from those who feel that if they use extreme forms of protest the rest of uswill be too frightened to challenge anything that we don't agree with. I would like to say to those to act in this way if you don't like what Britain has to offer, you can always go move to a country that will tolerate your views, for I fear that if not, there is going to be a backlash against Islam that will not benefit anyone. |
©2006 The Stirrer