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ShareMumbai: President Nicolas Sarkozy condemns the practice of wearing burqas as he thinks they are a sign of debasement of women. Speak Up talks to Muslims and experts for their opinions.
Keep religion within religious institutions
French president Nicolas Sarkozy's comment on burqa might hurt the sentiments of the Muslims so it needs to be handled sensitively. Religion needs to be kept within the religious institutions. In a society, we ought to behave according to the social norms. President Sarkozy has a right to express his opinion on issues where he feels a change needs to be incorporated. It's acceptable if he has said this keeping in mind the social atmosphere of his country. In a way he is expressing his thoughts on equality and trying to normalise and regularise the social structure.
--Daphne Warapen. Trustee, Church
Hijab is a significant part of the religion
If the French president is talking about women's freedom and branding a burqa as a symbol of subservience then maybe he should first ask the women what they want. In Islam, a hijab is a must for women. The way it is worn is different in different countries but it holds a great significance in a Muslim woman's life. A hijab protects a woman from exploitation; she is hidden from the bad influences around her. The president doesn't have much knowledge about Islam or the importance of a hijab. Therefore, he should stop forcing his views on others.
--Maulana Rizvi. Secretary, Muslim Personal Law Board
Follow the norms of the country you reside in
Each country has its set of rules and are culturally different. It is a social norm that if somebody is going to another country then he or she has to adjust to the law prevailing there. It's not right to blame the country if the government of that country sets some norms for people residing there. I don't find anything wrong about Sarkozy's comment that burqas are not welcome in his territory. In Arab countries it's a rule there that women are not allowed to drive, so any woman who goes there has to follow this rule. For living a peaceful life one has to adjust with the law of the country.
--Nandini Sardesai. Sociologist
"No woman is ever forced to wear a burqa. They are educated and willingly agree to wear one. Comments made by Sarkozy will not go down well with the community, and will lead to unnecessary tension. Being the president of the country doesn't he need to focus on other important issues?"
- Zaid Bagasrawala
"I belong to a modern Muslim family and no one has put any restrictions on me about wearing a burqa. It's my personal choice. I don't wear one every day but during functions I wear a burqa as a sign of respect to elders and my religion. But I agree with Sarkozy who wants to give the women the right to choose their lifestyle."
- Farah Khan
"There shouldn't be a law to decide what we should wear or should not. Burqa is a part of our religion and it is not a compulsion.I am a choreographer, so I cannot dance while wearing burqa. Every country should respect the modesty of women and understand that it is not a sign of subjugation."
- Nelcy Jan
"If he meant that the burqa has nothing to do with religion then why is he targeting the burqa? He should take care of the other matters in France which need immediate attention. Burqa is a part of the Islam religion and one cannot ban a traditional dress. This issue is sensitive and must be dealt with accordingly."
- Shazin Motorwala
"It is evident that burqa has been part of a woman's identity for a long time but forcefully banning it would not be correct. Society and religious heads need to encourage our community, and give liberty and freedom to women and allow them to change with time. Such comments might anger Muslims."
- Nasir Engineer
