This is the voice of not a single burqa-wearer but the hidden anguish of hundreds of readers of the article “Let’s Burn the Burqa” by Taslima Nasrin in the Outlook (January 17, 2007). The article does not only bring out her limited knowledge on religious matters but also shows the ignorance and lack of scientific and worldly knowledge of the so-called modern woman.
A lady who feels that by covering the heads, the brain is not allowed to work has contradicted herself by making such an un-intelligent and foolish remark in her article, though her head has been kept open since long.
By quoting the blasphemous sentence that ‘Allah does not treat men and women equally,’ I ask her that by uncovering the head and by revealing the body to the world, does a woman attain equality in the real sense of the word? If bringing out women to work as butchers, conductors and petrol fillers as in the West is equality then we, Muslim women consider ourselves blessed for not being equal to men. I further question why is there no equality in the ratio of literates among men and women, the ratio of graduates, post graduates, doctors, engineers, and why is a stress only made on being equal in the outward appearance.
As words reflect intentions and personality of an individual, she has brought it to the world’s notice about the type of people she meets and her area of work. The Prophet’s companions as proved by historians had matchless character and considered Ayesha ‘Ummul Mumineen’ (Mother of the believers).
There is not even single evidence which shows that they even stared at Ayesha or for that matter any other woman. We, Muslims are proud to wear burqa and are trying our best to fulfil Allah’s and His Messenger’s commands with full willingness and great pleasure. But unfortunately people like Taslima Nasrin by writing such offensive articles are not only hurting our feelings and sentiments but are bringing their own destruction and earning the wrath of Allah. I sincerely pray that Allah guide her to the right path and she understand the wisdom and the guidance hidden in the Qur’an and the Prophet’s teachings.
Ummu Khadeeja
Via E-mai