Muslim Human Rights- Hijab

It is appalling and frightening that so many people are fearful of a woman who covers her head.
What has come to our world when a basic human right that had been a custom of the majority of the world until the 1950's is looked at as being an act of religious zealousness?

Xenophobia, fear of foreigners, is a dangerous state of mind that cannot be enforced by world governments in this modern age. Do these xenophobic nations, such as France, not realize that much of their old wealth comes from places in Africa and the Middle East? Was it right to use these people and their land to gain World power then? Is it right to establish laws right now that again oppresses those same people? If one thinks historically for a moment you will realize that the people who had been oppressed because of imperialism are still being oppressed by harsh laws that discriminate against them today. The European Union (UE) continues to stand with xenophobic laws that only increase hatred and fear of Muslims.

In a country such as Turkey, that has been a Muslim nation since the 13th century, could even contemplate a hijab ban displays the lack of a backbone our moderate Muslims have when standing up for their culture and tenets of faith. In a country such as Turkey that has such a foot in Europe, they have the opportunity to show Europe that Hijab does not clash with European Ideals. Instead of Hijab being looked at as a genuine HUMAN RIGHTS issue for Muslim men and women they have turned it into an act of oppression that ordinary Muslims do not agree with.

Hijab is not a backward satorical device for maintaining society, but freedom for the wearer. We all make the choice to cover ourselves and to not flaunt aspects of our bodies to the general public. So how is it that any government could enforce such a basic right? What's next banning people from wearing the cross around the necks of Christians?

Clearly wearing hijab does not stop students from participating in PE activities, as it was visible that Muslim women wearing hijab raced in the Olympics and participate in other sports at professional levels.

For all who are being oppressed by governments that force you to not practice basic rights and laws of your religion, fight them peacefully, but fight them. Remember that Islam is a personal choice that should not be forced upon any, so if you live with people who force Islam on you fight them peacefully, but fight them.