(I have published this open letter in "The Seoul Times" on 15th April, 2011)
Dear Mr. Nicolas Sarcozy!
I am very glad to write this letter, on one of the most sensitive matters of Islamic beliefs. I know very well that France is to believed as a Laic state, but it does not mean to pass some unauthentic and unacceptable laws against any particular religion’s followers. Human beings are born free, so let them follow their religion with freedom.
When I heard that France is officially banning the burqa (or burka) on April 11, 2011, I planned to support a demonstration against the hijab ban on April 9, 2011. Due to certain reasons, however, it was never possible to be there.
France has the highest population of Muslims in all of Europe. Then why make such rude official laws of your state against Islamic followers? Muslims were always loyal to their countries and even we have realized this during the time of “The Glorious Thirty” in France
Wearing a burqa (hijab) does not mean someone is anti-nationalistic or anti-social. A chemist wearing an apron in a laboratory is always advised to do so. Does anybody bully him for this? Everybody knows a laboratory apron is meant for protecting the person from any uncertain dangers, dirt and injury. Now, if a women (religion no bar) wearing a Hijab, which acts as a perfect apron for her safety, steps out into the very unsure and dangerous dust, then who has the right to ask questions about the hijab? Especially when the society is full of lust fools, rapists, and hooligans.
Dear Mr. Sarcozy, Islamic dress, specifically a burqa, is not open to negotiation and a Muslim woman does not need anyone’s permission to wear it because it is the wish of Allah and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Yes, Mr. Sarcozy, Muslim women are slaves, but not to a man because they are only slaves to the creator of the universe, almighty Allah. I personally believe that no one should be allowed to interfere with their uniform code because they are loyal to their God and they will do, only what their religion permits and what’s wrong with that? A burqa is their identity and its better to let them live their religious lives, rather than forcing them to adopt a European dress code.
Mr. Sarcozy, kindly bear the inconvenience to tell me a single name of a religion of the world which favors its followers to be naked or half dressed? I request you from the depth of my heart to take those laws back from your constitution for the welfare of humanity. Please do not play with the dignity, honor and respect of Muslim women.
If a Muslim women wears a Hijab, then she is considered as outdated and if a Christian covers herself, she is known as “Doing service to the God”. If a Hindu women properly covers herself then, she is called “Sati Saawetri” (committed towards husband ... ) and if a Muslim women observes a Hijab then she is considered to be degrading to society. Mr. Sarkozy, I strongly believe that these are double standards of the people.
If you will not take your decision back then it simply means a violation of human rights and abuse to women. In other words, I will not hesitate to call it that as you are putting Muslim women in a corner because they cannot come out wearing a hijab. If you target these innocent Muslim women, then they may be very far behind from social and professional view point. Kindly encourage them to go outside in a hijab and contribute to society after doing their jobs of being a true wife and a true mother.
Lastly, I am sure that you will make a very positive decision in the favor of Muslim women, as well as the rest of humanity, at a global level.
Thanks and Regards
Your’s brother
Ahmad Tufail
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