From: ys3359@thor.albany.edu (Yazmasterj)
Subject: Re: Hijab and dress code in Islam
Organization: State University of New York at Albany
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 92 20:24:17 GMT

In article <7OCT199205001104@iago.caltech.edu> rached@taylor.eng.ohio-state.edu (rached) writes:
>   Yasmin, the initial post to which I replied, considered the current
>dress code in IRAN as a violation of human rights. It was a UN
>commission that wrote that report. Giving an example of US dress code
>was just to expose the double standard those people work with. On one
>hand when it comes to Islamic dress code it is a violation of human
>rights. On the other hand when it comes to western dress code
>(fabricated by men to be imposed on men and women) it is not a violation
>of human rights.

As I recall, I too was commenting on the state of affairs in Iran and
had originally posted this article to soc.culture.iranian.  I also
gave my opinion on the US dress code.  In principle a dress code is
a dress code and one injustice does not justify another.  On the other
hand, degrees must be examined.

>No, an unjustice does not justify another. Still I don't think that the
>concept of dress code is unjust. On the contrary there should be a dress
>code for people in the society to put a standard and limit beyond which
>nobody should transgress. Otherwise we will have chaos.

As I stated above, degrees must be examined.  While one MIGHT feel that
some form of a dress code is needed for the proper functioning of a society,
the degree of encumberance by this dress code must be examined.  I had
stated previously that the US dress code was of no undue encumberance to
me since I always dressed above and beyond the minimum requirements.  I could
say no such thing concerning the Iranian dress code.  In addition, it
seems that the 113,000 Iranian women could also not say the same about
the Iranian system.

There is always compromise between the rights of the individual and the
needs of the society.  The question is where you draw the line.  In my
opinion, Iran does not draw the line in the correct place.  You of course
are free to disagree.  Unfortunately, the people of Iran are not free
to do any such thing with their government.


>Allah (SWT) told us in the Quran to take the prophet (PBUH) as an
>example. Also, He ordered us to take whatever the prophet (PBUH) has
>given us and leave whatever he (SAW) has forbidden. In any matter of our
>lives, we are also ordered to see what the Quran AND THE SUNNAH of the
>prophet say about it. If we don't find the answer then we should seek
>the IJTIHAD of knowlegeable people, this IJTEHAD should be based on
>Quran AND SUNNAH.

The examples of Sunnah must be taken in context.  While the Quran was
word of Allah, the Sunnah was confined to one time period.  It is not
necessary that every aspect of the Sunnah be applicable to modern day
society.  Instead, the spirit of the Sunnah would be applicable.  In addition,
I have many problems with the Islamic scholars since that time.  They
have been comprised ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY of men.  Until recently it was not
deemed necessary or even proper for a woman to gain an education.  Therefore
you will excuse this educated woman if she does not take the words of
the Islamic scholars at face value.

>It is very well known that at the time of the prophet (PBUH) when the
>Ayah of Hijab was revealed, all the womwn covered their body and head.
>The difference between (Ulema) knowlegeable people is that whether the
>face and hands can be shown and when. Thus there is no question about
>what Islamic dress code means. 

It has also been stated that the fashions of the time in 6th centurn
Arabia called for women covering their heads.  The Quran ayah instructed
women to take this head covering and use the end to cover their chest
area instead of letting it hang behind their backs.  It is not necessary
that all muslim women follow the customs of 6th century Arab fashions.
Certainly it is a factor that they lived in a desert with the sun beating
down on their heads.  The Ulema can conclude whatever they want.  They
have concluded many things to the ruination of women for centuries. 


>There is no Islamic injunction that says to wear black and I don't think
>that women in IRAN have to wear black.

Here I must defer to the hearsay from soc.culture.iranian.  From the
experiences of Iranian men and women related on the net, I had come to
conclude that the color black was a requirement for female attire.  If
any person with experience in this matter has any information to the
contrary, I would urge him/her to make it known.

>Yasmin, beware. Before passing a judgement on a law, check and do
>research. You just insulted a law that was set by Allah (SWT).

No.  I have expressed an opinion on a man made concept of women.
Allah has nothing to do with this.

Khudahafiz

Yasmin

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