In New
South Wales a Private Member’s Bill has been proposed to prohibit people
wearing full-face coverings in public places. In Western Australia a judge
ordered a Muslim woman not to wear a niqab when giving testimony in
court - to which the Muslim witness readily consented.
To defuse the emotional feelings around this issue we wanted to show exactly what is being talked about so there can be an informed and rational conversation, hence the pictures and explanation of various types of Muslim veiling on the facing page.
Firstly, there is objection only to the burka and to the niqab in public forum where identity and security are issues. There is no objection to the other forms of veiling that do not obscure the face.
Secondly, the burka and niqab are worn only by a tiny minority of Muslim women who interpret the Qur’an (24:31 and 33:59-60) literally. Most interpret these texts simply to enjoin modesty so are satisfied with one of the lesser forms of veiling - if any at all - as any modest form of dress fulfils the obligation. Note also that Qur’an 24:30 obligates men using exactly the same language, yet does not generate the same controversy.
Thirdly, modesty is interpreted differently in different climates, societies, cultures and situations - what is appropriate at the beach is not appropriate at home, and what is appropriate at home is not appropriate at work.
Fourthly, the other forms of veiling are similar to the way the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, is often depicted in Christian art. Of course this too reflects the society and mores of the artist or of how the artist conceived first century Jewish society, rather than any strictly religious legal requirement, as some suggest.
Fifthly, the artists are possibly not far wrong in their depiction as this style of head covering is still part of the culture and national costume of traditional societies in many countries today.
Sixthly, the other forms are like the veil that not too long ago was part of the religious habit of nearly all Catholic nuns and is still worn by sisters in some religious orders today.
Finally, the other forms of veiling are similar to the “hoody” that is so popular with many young people today - and there is no similar attempt to ban them.
Fr Patrick McInerney SSC is the Co-Ordinator of the Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations and Columban Vocations.
Read more articles from The Far East, November/December 2010