Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Muslim Women and Modesty

Cover Yourselves and Guard Against Evil


2 comments:

JennyChavez said...

This video clip was unbelievably beautiful. The message of this video is strong and one that should be heard in the hopes of understanding a different culture then ones own. There were some visual and audio elements that I feel are very important to this clip. The first one is the verse in the beginning Al- Ahzab 33:59 “O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them. That will be better, that so they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” This phrase sums up the video. The phrase allows the viewer to gain some insight into the Muslin world.

One of the first things that is said is “you poor girl you are so beautiful why do you cover up your beauty so.” That statement is very impotent; the words are implying that by wearing a cloak that a woman is trying to hide her beauty but for women who wear a cloak she wears it to embrace her beauty not to hide. Beauty can be many things and it is truly up to each individual to determine for them self what that beauty is. Another thing that is in the video that I feel has strong meaning is when said; is religion more important than fashion. This statement is asking what is more important beliefs or clothing. For Muslim women they wear there religion on there sleeves not figuratively but literally!

I think it is sad when the song says now you’re in the west and you’re free all most as if because of being in the west that a woman will want to abandon their faith and “be free” in terms of an American world view. By having a western song in a video about Muslim Women shows the message is directed towards a western culture. The song is somewhat of a conversation; the singer first asks a question; the question is being critical of Muslim women or just showing an extreme lack of understanding. Then the singer responds back to the question being asked; taking on the voice of a Muslim Women. The questions that are being asked are reflective of the American culture (in the song) and the response is the point of view of any one who wears a cloak or wears any clothing on a daily basis that reflects a deep religious belief.

Hagia Sophia said...

Wow, that was amazing. I've never really thought about the problem muslim women face with the Hijab here in the west. In Jordan or other Middle Eastern/Arab/Muslim countries the thought of it being an issue doesn't even cross people's minds since it's such a norm. I feel for the women that want so badly to practice their religion and faith but can't due to stupid technical restraints. These have been evident in France, Turkey, and right here in the US. I think it's rediculous how Americans preach freedom of religion, and freedom of expression but condemn this basic human right that women have to practice their religion. It's really quite sad.