In one of Egypt's schools, al-Azhar, a ban was place on students and teachers, not allowing them to wear face veils (also known as the niqab) in the dormitories and in the classrooms- this ban was placed by one of Egypt's top Islamic cleric. This was part of Egypt's plan in an attempt to lower the amount of radical Islamic practices in the country.
This ban started a controversy in the country, even though a spokesperson of the school said that the ban had nothing to do with the actual faith. Although those of the Islam faith stated that banning the veils are a violation of their rights. The cleric that put the ban stated that "his decision to impose the ban is based on a 1996 consitutional court ruling that granted education officials the right to regulate Islamic attire in schools". Many people also say that the Islam people should not be ashamed to show their faces.
I am actually confused on this issue. On one hand I believe that the women of Islam should be allowed to wear whatever they want to wear. Although I feel like the only reason they wear the niqab is because of their religion and in this case I think that they should not wear it, in an attempt to gain some sort of freedom. Although I lean more towards no ban because at least it is their choice to wear the niqab or not.
I see why you would think this is a controversy. It is hard to say which side I would pick myself. Although I like the points that you make.
ReplyDelete