League of Muslim Scholars defines Niqab-ban as aggression.
Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the last Prophet. We bear witness that there is no god but Allah Who has no partners, and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. May Allah spread His blessings upon him, his companions, his wives and his followers.
With astonishment and sadness the Muslim world has become aware of the laws that some European countries have introduced to ban outer Islamic characteristics. Laws that ban covering the face and not allow the woman to wear her Niqab and headscarf, the ban on the call to prayer, and the ban on building mosques and other biased and unjust rules which disadvantage the Muslim minority in the West.
Through this open letter the League of Muslim scholars1 attempts to address the sensible Westerners. This attempt is by virtue of the following Words of Allah (interpretation of the meaning):
“They (the people of the book) are not equal.”
(Surat Aali cImraan: 113)
And He also says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And do not enter into discussion with the People of the Book, except in a good manner.”
(Surat al-cAnkaboet: 46)
Oh wise people, according to the past and recent Muslim scholars it is certain that women covering their faces is part of the religion. It can not be seen as odd or as a form of extremism.
It is well known that with regard to appropriate security reasons the Niqab is not an obstacle to identify the woman. Neither does the woman experience her Niqab as a disability to be able to study, to climb up the social ladder or to contribute to society.
The introduction of such unjust laws can only be seen as a violation of the rights of the Muslim minority. It also shows something of racist sentiments and political demagoguery. After all, why are there no laws that ban the Jewish yarmulke, the Sikh turban and other religious clothing?!
The Western world now presents itself as the ultimate advocate that fights for human rights, women rights and minority rights and that fights against discrimination. The League of Muslim scholars therefore calls the Western world not to break their word and not to act upon double standards, which are the result of giving in to false desires.
This kind of unjust laws can only lead to loss of confidence in the West. In what other manner can the Muslim world understand these rules which sole purpose are to fight but a few hundred women that cover their faces according to their religion? A religion that represents all good. But beyond that, it (the Niqab) is and remains a personal choice that can be rallied under human rights.
Oh wise people, under the guise of freedom you have permitted things that are prohibited by all heavenly religions. Things like prostitution, homosexuality and gay marriage. You have also created these laws to protect the rights of these people. Why not the same attitude towards purity and chastity?!
Is it not true that you have been much affected by the adverse effects of prostitution and homosexuality in social and ethical matters? Families fall apart, the social bond is lacking and the risk of decreasing population in Europe is a fact. Hasn’t the time come for you to return to natural inclination, reason and intellect?
The League of Muslim scholars considers you wiser than that you insist on so-called justice and equality and forcing this on people with the whip of injustice and double standards. It is currently even so bad that you no longer respect the rules you have established yourself and that you mix up justice with injustice.
O defenders of humanism in Europe, it is not appropriate to restrict weak women in their freedoms. Women who are no different of your humanity, freedom, nationality and citizenship. Freedoms that you have given other women. Even women who are far behind when it comes purity and chastity.
O human rights organizations, is a woman dressed in a Niqab not a woman? Why do you aid a woman who chooses to abandon her religion, but you get paralyzed when a woman chooses to profess her faith?
O defenders of the rights of women, is a woman dressed in a Niqab not a woman? Why then vouch for the rights of a shameless woman and not for the rights of a shameful woman?
O chaste Muslim women, cling on to your faith. Hang on to your belief and stay steadfast concerning your purity and Hijab. Claim your rights and proof your presence without neglecting the Sublime Rulings of Islam.
Know that there is always room for you in the courts to make your voice heard. There will always be intelligent people who listen to justice, and European and international organizations that haven’t sold their existence to a bunch of lies. So show your evidence and let the truth break out!
O wise Westerners, Islam has honored man, Muslim or non-Muslim, and assured them a respectful life in which their rights are protected. Despite your call for justice, freedom and human rights, we see that in reality your dealing with Muslims is in contradiction to this call. So we wonder in what state this freedom is or is it intended for non-Muslims only?
Finally, the League of Muslim scholars expresses its indignation concerning these attacks. We also want governments and international organizations to fulfill their duty and to point the Western governments to their responsibility to defend the rights of the weak and to build a bridge to the Muslim minorities. Minorities who act as Islamic ambassadors outside of their home countries.
Praise be to Allah.
League of Muslim scholars,
President: Sheikh al-Ameen al-Haadj (Sudan)
Vice President: Sheikh Mohammed Sayyidi an-Nawawi (Mauritania)
Secretary: Sheikh Doctor cAbd ul-cAziez bin cAbd ul-Moehsin at-Turkie (Saudi Arabia)
Second Secretary: Sheikh Doctor cAbd ul-Moehsin al-Mtierie (Kuwait)
Translated by team al-Yaqeen, the Netherlands
1. The League of Muslim scholars made its establishment known in Kuwait on January 19th 2010. This league consists of dozens of scholars from various Islamic countries including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and Bahrain. |
