Behind the Veil: Don’t Oppress Me By Stripping Me of My Right to Wear the Veil
By: Farheen Fatima
Below are my reflections on the recent call to ban niqab in Canada.
I hear and read of all the commotion going on in Europe, Middle East, and now Canada, about people having a problem with a simple piece of harmless cloth I choose to wear on my face. The problem arises from either ignorance about the matter or differences with it.
I decided to wear the veil at the age of 18. Thank you very much, but it was out of my own choice. Neither was I married nor did my family encourage it. I was the first amongst my family members to adorn the niqab. I feel very comfortable wearing the veil. I have attended university and used public transit while wearing the niqab. I feel my veil enhances my identity instead of hiding it. You may ask how so? The niqab has given me the opportunity to express myself without men, in particular, judging me or treating me based on the way I look. I don’t have to worry about looking good for people who see me walking down the street. I choose to be known for my inner voice, my personality and intellect. In the comfort of my home or private gatherings, I confound to a different dress code. I am happy in my own shoes. I don’t force people to start wearing the veil, and likewise, I don’t wish for people to force me out of my shoes.
A woman in Canada can go outside in a bikini. Just as she can choose to be almost fully naked, it only makes sense that I have the right to be almost fully covered. Covering the face is not something uncommon in our society. We cover our faces with thick scarves on cold, winter days. Nowadays, more and more people are covering their faces with masks to protect against viruses, such as the H1N1 virus.
I am not asking to vote or cross borders while wearing my veil, or to have my driver’s license photo taken with my veil. All I am saying is that I should have the right to wear a niqab wherever I so desire. If I need to reveal my face temporarily for identification purposes, I am willing to do so.
The niqab is not a threat. Niqab wearing women do not bite. We are not criminals. There hasn’t been a history of niqabis committing crimes. A woman should be given the choice to wear the niqab or not in this country, for the sake of freedom of choice and religion.
A niqabi studying at a university campus lounge.
Farheen is a free lance writer living in Canada. You can reach her at enquiry@islamicgems.com with “Niqabi” in the subject line.
