Hijab case: keep it in perspective

The Leader-Post

Published: Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Unfortunately, a book is judged by its cover -- until you start flipping the pages and reading between the lines.

This simple analogy speaks for us as humans. We use our appearance to make statements of individuality, rebellion, boldness, modesty and observance with turbans, tattoos, piercings, hair colour, styles, clothes, etc.

In the case of the infamous hijab, a Muslim woman's headdress and attire -- or even a Muslim man's devout appearance -- should be representative of cleanliness and purity of the heart and his/her submission to the discipline of following the religion of Islam.

The key word here is "discipline" -- not meaning any coded word for anything other than it is -- but simply following a devout life and offering goodwill to others.

By foremost example of good deeds and, secondly, appearance, a good Muslim can represent his/her self.

Their appearance can further act as a reminder to them to distance themselves from any harmful activity since a Muslim's appearance not only labels the individual, but speaks for all Muslims.

Any violent action taken by any "Muslim", as we repeatedly hear about in the news, has to do with the fact that humans are erroneous.

Any tragedy or anger overcoming Muslims has been shown as a Muslim issue when anger and domestic violence goes beyond any boundaries of creed or race.

In the tragic case of Aqsa Parvez, it is domestic violence gone too far.

Replace the conflict over the term "hijab" -- which has been much speculated about -- with perhaps "boyfriend", "drugs" or any other form of rebellion -- and it would become another terrible crime committed by an angry individual who lacked discipline.

Zeba Hashmi

Regina

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