Muslim women have become a target around the world and France is one place that is using it’s secularistic belief to create a divide between communities.
So “How can a piece of cloth be so threatening?”
The recent French ban of wearing abayas – a long, loose- fitting dress, robes or anything looking like it in an education setting is another step towards ending the freedom of choice in the West.
So how can countries that scream ‘Freedom of choice’ do this to people living on their land? Respect of other peoples choices and religious rights are slowly being broken. This first began with the hijab ban in (2004), niqab and burkini ban (2010 and 2016) and now with the abaya ban (2023). Muslim girls and women are having to choose between religion and education. They are in a position where something they believe in and is a fundamental part of their religion is being ostracised.
Yes, no one can take your Iman and intention even if they try to take your outer appearance to fit their rules. However, hypocrisy and colonialism behaviour is also a large part of this.
The Fashion runway streams in modest clothing from designers like Max Mara or Michael Kors. Spreading their balaclava styled headwear and abaya cloaked dresses to adoring fashionistas.1 Last years awards shows donned modest gowns with adjoining head covering worn by top Hollywood actresses.
Altuzarra fall-winter 2022-2023
Balaclavas were the number one trending fashion statement of autumn/winter.
This month when King Charles and Queen Camilla visited France, the Queen and Brigitte Macron wore night blue floor length gowns with high necks and long sleeves. This created a debate online on who can wear modest clothing and how deep racism runs through France. This entire display creates another divide as when Muslim women dress in a hijab or modest wear, they are going against the law.
In the last few years there has been an increase in feminists from across the world protesting for the freedom of Iran’s women and their hijab especially since the aftermath of Masha Amini’s unjust murder. These same women also “stand” for the unveiling of the women of Afghanistan and their burqas under the rule of the Taliban. Whilst critiquing the ruling leaders on the lack of education bestowed upon them.
However when women who want to dress modestly in a schooling environment are banned from doing so. The lack of feminists standing up for them against the shrewd governments is astounding. Making it clear that they follow the idea of only an unveiled women being free.
“…frustrates the colonizer…because there is in it the will to bring this woman within his reach, to make her a possible object of possession.” – Frantz Fanton, 1959.
Why is it that feminism only works if it is to uncover yourself? Isn’t the choice to dress modestly still a choice? How can a garment be viewed as oppressive or forced upon someone? All it is doing is protecting the woman from the eyes of others.
A poll taken by a popular magazine concluded that even western women cover in “long dresses” or full tops. This was to protect themselves from the gaze of men and others whilst travelling or out late at night. This was a championed result as it showed how modest clothing help women feel safer.
So, when something is written in the Quran for the women to do as well as men in Islam to protect their modesty and selves then why is it viewed as a ‘backward’ idea? Solely because it is linked to religious views?
The idea of policing women’s bodies is nothing new. However when it comes to Muslim women the world feels like they are offering a ‘get out of jail card’. The viewpoint that Muslim women are oppressed and have no rights in Islam comes from a lack of education. It also proves that however much we integrate, it is not recognised.
As there is a failure to understand what Islam is like as well as getting to know Muslims. Instead, ideologies are built on what the media portrays, or what people ‘believe’ happens. There is no interest in the word of the scripture yet there is a feel that people know the best way women should live their lives.
The premise of Islam and following Allah’s word is a function that is alien to the western ideology. This makes every action of dress or submission a controversial and sometimes threat to outside communities.
France being a secular state is one thing. However when religious rights are stripped away for that state would that not also be called a form of oppression? Even though France wants to show how free its people are whilst living there. The restrictions imposed by the state begins to take away an identity that all humans have a right to. The rights to wear a cross, Kippah, turban or abaya, and if you are of no belief then dressing how you please. That is what freedom of choice is and what a secular country should look like. Respect where you live but also be free to practice your own religion/identity. Not only will this help increase integration but also a respect for others.
At this moment there is little to no difference between the western countries and the wanna be ‘Islamic’ leaders. They are both attempting to take away the God given right to women and women in Islam.
The right for education and choice.
The question we now need to ask is… how far will they go and when will it stop?
https://www.vogue.fr/fashion/galerie/modest-fashion-at-copenhagen-fashion-week
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