"Your mother and grandmother's generation represent our authentic heritage."----QR.
Veils (grandmother's one longer) represent our authentic heritage! Such an orthodox thinking testifies to the fact that you are against 100% liberation of women. This also testifies to the fact that you although claiming to be true
Islamist are not sensitive to the economic needs of our poor women.
Allama Q.R.
Rahman
,
your thinking almost coincides with that
Allama Shafi.
I am happy that you have agreed with Fatemolla that Islamic preachers did not recommend borkha. It is really unfortunate that you do not treat borkha as a burden and a hazard and as such a persuasive religious and social movement aimed at enlightening our women about it can be beneficial for the society. I guess you are afraid that such an enlightenment program will endanger Islam. My guess is based on the fact that you are over protective about Islam and sometimes you are so overprotective that by quoting and referring to various sources (fictions and unscientific articles) you make a great religion like Islam laughable in the eyes of the rational thinkers. Why are you trying to fish in the troubled waters by mixing up Rabindranath and Nirmalendu Goon with women who are victims of the fanatic teachings of our illiterate and half-literate mollas and priests?
From: QR <qrahman@netscape.net>
To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2013 5:04 AM
Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] FW: মিতা হকের বাঙ্গালীয়ানা ও মরু-সাম্রাজ্যবাদ
Now let us focus on the main issue which is borkha, hijab, or even veil, let alone keeping our women confined within the four walls. As the society is progressing, we are noticing more and more liberation of women--liberation in all respects
>>>>>>>>>>>> The main issue is Mita is trying to "Tell" (Dictatorial style) about who can and cannot be Bengalis. This is exactly what Pakistanis tried (And failed) to do. As far as "Borkha" is concern, it is a cultural choice. Mostly liked by women of our sub-continent. As far as religion is concern, it does NOT force any specific dress on men or women (There are restriction of men as well, but we don't discuss that often). Islam simply gives us guideline and one can pick any dress that fulfill the basic requirement. For example, the US national fencing team has a practicing Muslima who covers her body and still participate in sports. I am aware of your personal opinion about it and understand where you are coming from. However those of us who are interested to be practicing Muslims should not restricted from doing so. So if a woman want to wear Burkha, it is her choice and none of my business. Relieving her of excessive burden of clothings aimed at maintaining her dignity and sanctity of the society as well is one such liberation>>>>>>>>> That is your "Opinion" and I respect that. At the same time there are lot of people who do not agree with you. As long you learn to respect their choices, we'll get along fine. People define liberation differently and getting rid of cloths cannot be the only way to liberate ourselves. Personally freeing our mind is liberation to me. According to Fatemolla preachers of islam have never recommended borkha. What is your comment on that? >>>>>>>> think I answered it. Like Sari, it is a choice of our people but it is NOT any Islamic requirement. Don't you think that borkha is not only unnecessary in the context of Bangladesh, it also creates many hazards, and as such, a reform movement may not be a bad idea?>>>>>>>>>>> There are lot of smart educated women who accept Hijab (Head cover) as their Islamic dress and do not wear Burkha. I do not think me or you should be telling others what to wear. It is their choice and as long it is not hurting anyone, it is none of our business. . But personally I am against advocating for any such thing and I will point out the demerits of such things.>>>>>>>>> There are lot of spiritual and worldly benefit of the dress as well. I do not expect you to know about that, so you are welcome to share your opinion but I do not feel inspired to support you in this specific cause. The veil of my grand mother was longer than that of my mother. My sisters do not use veil except in rare occasions. My nieces do not even wear saris.>>>>>>>>>> Your mother and grandmothers generation represent our authentic heritage. However if modern generation are happy with their dress, it is none of my business. If they are happy, I am happy for them. :-). But this cannot be a general rule for the society. We need more and more women's liberation if we really want to progress and prosper. >>>>>>>>>> If society pick of the role to dictate dress of people, we may lose future Nirmolendu Gun or Rabindranath Tagore or Maulana Bhashani. Freedom of thought and freedom of religion are fundamental rights. As long such rights does not hurt anyone else, we should leave it alone. Shalom! 