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<title>blogTO Recent Comments: Is the Hijab a Symbol of Oppression?</title>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/feed/recentcomments/?8069</link>
<description>Comments recently made in this post on blogTO</description>
<copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
<lastBuildDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:41:35 PST</lastBuildDate>
<item>
<title>teah</title>
<description><![CDATA[
What about all the Caucasian christian men who molest their daughters? Show me the passage in the Quran that tells us to kill our women for not covering their hair. Wearing the hijab is only to be done if your doing it for the sake of god. There is no point in wearing it if your parents told you to. Lets not get the Islamic scriptures mixed up with the retarded cultures out there. Oh and by the way, there are tons of women in this city who chose to wear the hijab, so by taking the hijab away..are you not opressing their freedoms also? Oh...you didn't think about that did you. Don't blame our religion for stupid things that happen in the world, blame the backwards people who come from backwards countries like Afghanistan. Oh one more thing..with the rise of converts to islam, who forces these converts to wear it? Hmmmm?]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c642617</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c642617</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:34:11 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Junaid</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Mary...God bless you...you are beautiful!

I am happy to see that Toronto is able to have this discussion however with the level of ignorance still in this forum, i suggest those of you that write before you bother to learn about what you're talking about, read a book, educate yourselves and avoid being an ignorant biggot...particularly on public forums...particularly about religion!  Once you've done so, then you've earned the write to partake in intellectual discussion.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c615301</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c615301</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:16:54 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Roger</title>
<description><![CDATA[
And just how do you feel about the proposed Afghan marriage law that <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hvWEqwq3CrRvaQCmt21MfoYhjZJQD97J24LO0" target="_blank">lets husbands demand sex from their wives</a>?]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c578138</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c578138</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:48:25 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Mary</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Assalamu Alaikum/Peace to all my brothers and sisters

I would first like to say that this article like many that exist, exists to turn people away from Islam. Isn't it amazing how many stories we are hearing this day on the news about Muslims doing this and that? People get killed every day by other crazy people, yet the focus is ALWAYS on MUSLIMS!!! 

I was born into a Roman Catholic family, and you know what, my father is no different then that poor girls father. He's controllive, he thinks he's always right, you can't say a word to him, he never listens to anyone, also from the treatment I've seen him inflict on my mother, I'd say he's no different then those radical Muslims, but wait a second what is he? A ROMAN CATHOLIC!!!!! Just goes to show that anyone from any religion can be radical and treat people very badly. 

By the way I love hijab and maybe one day I will even wear Niqab (wear the eyes are only left open). And for all you Catholics/Christians out there, I became more of a Muslim by reading the Bible! The Ten Commandments clearly state "you shall have only ONE GOD" and what's the second? "Do not make for yourself an IDOL" but what do people pray to in Church? IDOLS!!! Clearly going against GOD'S LAWS! Also if you read the BIBLE you will see many examples of the PROPHETS of GOD worshipping GOD the way that MUSLIMS do. 

Unfortunetly for all us Muslims out there, we have all the media to thank for making Islam into such a bad religion (which it is not by the way, I see that as nothing but propaganda to turn people away from Islam) This article being an excellent example.

Also I'd like to say, Catholic/Christian Nuns are fully covered right? I'd call what they wear hijab, but in the Church that's ok, it's only when it's another religion that it is not ok. Hmmm?
Also if all you Catholics/Christians look up at your IDOL of Mary, is she not wearing hijab? And yes Muslims do BELIEVE in MARY and JESUS(peace be upon them both). To me the Holy Bible and the Holy Quran are family. They are both the books from God. 

I think the people of this world need to seriously start to question what they are being fed by the media.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c576689</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c576689</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:30:33 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Raven Blackwolf</title>
<description><![CDATA[
BTW, anyone see where several thousand people have died in Thailand since "Islamic seperatists" (the CBC's phrase) started causing trouble there four years ago?  I wonder how long it's going to take Moslems to start demanding bits and pieces (or a huge chunk) of North America be given over to them in the name of "minority rights"?  Don't think it can happen?  Ask the Hindus of India about it!

]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c253318</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c253318</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:41:16 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Stak</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Turkey is certainly not the only place where the hijab is not required/women aren't forced into it. Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, , Israel, Eqypt, United Arab Emirates are all places where the Hijab is not required, and that makes up a big big chunk of the Middle East. Why do i know this...because my parents are from Syria and I visit often. Also, I know people from Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, and I watch arabic tv shows from many parts of the middle east, so its not only Turkey.

And the Hijab is a part of Islam, there are parables in the Qur'an that state that women should wear the Hijab in front of men, other than their father, uncles, grandfathers, father-in-law, etc. So in Islam the Hijab is required not only while praying. Now of course, not all Muslims wear the Hijab--aka me. And the burqaa is not a requirement either (not that you said it was). ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250864</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250864</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:06:58 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>pk</title>
<description><![CDATA[
all these "religious" violent acts happen because of ignorant people practicing them, and growing up morally weak. not everyone is this messed up, but as with anything-there are people that aren't all there in the head and just need an excuse to set them off.



]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250829</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250829</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:22:26 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ayla</title>
<description><![CDATA[
In many Muslim countries women do not have a choice...they are ostracized if they do not wear the hijab. My uncle's wife had to resort to wearing the headscarf because she was get nasty looks from people in her community. This is happening in Canada too.
And yes, rapes occur but men and punished and put responsible for it (in this country), not women. By using the hijab to prevent men from behaving inappropriately you are excusing their behaviour. This is just setting a lower standard for men in Islam. It is also insulting to men and makes women paranoid.

Again, if a man can pray 5 times a day and fast, he can control himself around a women with hair exposed. 

Of course I didn't mean that first you wear the hijab and then you graduate to the Burqua if you are a good muslim. Do you think in Afghanistan they donned the burqua right away? They first started covering their heads and then it went from there. I meant in the long term this is what will happen when extremism takes over. Anywhere where there is a Muslim majority, women have no choice but to wear the hijab.
The only place where this wasn't happening was Turkey, which  was secular, but the extremists are now slowing turning it around there too.
Nuns are a minute portion of Christianity who dedicate their lives to religious service (with a vow of chastity and standardized uniform). This is not comparable to women in Islam. 
People need to be aware that wearing the headscarf all the time is not a requirement of the Koran. Even the Bible says that when praying, you have to cover your head. But only in Islam has this become distorted to imply that women have to wear it all the time. It only serves to drive a wedge between people and religions. In a Muslim school in Mississauga the principal refused to shake the hand of a female reporter. I do not want to live in a society where our cultural values become warped this way.

]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250703</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250703</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:53:39 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Stak</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Ayla, in Islam, God required the wearing of a hijab in several parables from the Qur'an. It is not just a part of culture. Besides, are you going to let one "unhumble" woman change your mind about how Islam is about modesty and make you think that hijab is a "shallow act"? How about the billions of other women in the world. Hey, i dont have respect for women who wear the hijab but are dressed provocatively either. 
It should not be allowed in Canada? I'm sure that means that Nuns or devout Jewish women cannot cover their hair either, right? 
Also, you said that men can control themselves...hey i have nothing against men but if they can control themselves, then why are there rapes, etc? 
And, by the way, Hijab is all about choice, women have/ should have the freedom to choose and they do in most Muslim countries. 

P.S. the hijab is so not the next step to the burqa...someone who wants to wear a burqa will not wear a hijab first, she wears the burqa right away. and also, if there are Muslim women who don't wear a headscarf (a.k.a me) that doesn't mean that they aren't "good Muslims".]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250668</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250668</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:14:10 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ayla</title>
<description><![CDATA[
This is a red flag for all those naive Canadians who don't realize what's going on and want to treat it as an isolated incident. The fact is that Muslims are forced in their own communities here in Canada to conform...they are critisized if they do not wear the hijab. They don't really have a choice. Muslims are also trying to change our rules effectively to slowly change our cultural practices e.g. demanding private swim time for women in the condo swimming pool, the rationale being they want to "protect their women" First of all, women are already protected in this countries by laws that punish men for attacking women, unlike other extremist mulsim countries. To wear a hijab because you don't want to attract unwanted attention is silly; men are able to control themselves and are responsible for their actions if they don't. Are Mulsim men unable to do so? If they can pray 5 times a day and fast they certainly should be able to control themselves around a women with her hair exposed...to imply otherwise is an insult to Mulsim men. The hijab is just the next step to a burka. Both are cultural distortions of Islam. This bad cultural perversion should not be allowed in this country. I've seen Mulsim women wearing hijabs who are anything but humble; they dress riducously otherwise in ways that just attract more attention. I have no respect for women who are wearing it to make a point or stand up for their religion...they are standing up for the wrong thing...for cultural control of women, rather than Islam. It is better to conduct your character in the right way than by assuming that a shallow act of wearing a headscarf makes you a good Muslim. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250620</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c250620</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:17:50 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rytoid C</title>
<description><![CDATA[
124th mother fuckers!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c248825</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c248825</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2007 03:08:48 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>staki</title>
<description><![CDATA[
http://www.cbc.ca/sunday/2007/12/121607_1.html 
]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c248368</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c248368</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 25 Dec 2007 11:09:18 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hira</title>
<description><![CDATA[
This is about oppression, or the fact that a "Muslim" girl was killed by her father for not wearing the hijab. This is just rage getting the better of a man. Be it a Muslim, Christian, Jew or Hindu, when rage overcomes someone, it doesn?t differentiate between sexes or religion. 
Next time when a Christian is killed in Toronto, we'll blame it on the "christian" who killed him
]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c248020</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c248020</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:19:50 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>bilkiss auckbaraullee</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Listen Islam does not impose a rigid dress code.  All it says is dress modestly.  We cover our hair out of respect for God almighty.  We know that we are always in his presence, and we do not wish to attract negative glances from men.  We are not opressed, on the contrary we are liberated because we are not attached to this world that is nothing but an illusion.  The hereafter is what we strive to achieve.  We live and let live in this world.  The hojab is a form of respect.  I started wearing the hijab recently and I am very proud of it.  I am well educated and do not in any way think that I am oppressed. I feel safe and secure.  Some Muslim women choose to cover their faces and much more it is important to note that it is completely not mandatory to do so. A women has to dress modestly so as not to address negative attention from men and that is prety much it.  What I can' understand is that why is it okay for women to be waling topless in the streets of Toronto during a parade but all of a suddent if she covers her hair she is doing all wrong. 
Muslims are not the enemy.  Just because there are some people who have extremist views due to thier own shortcomings does not mean that Islam should harbour the blame.  When a Christian kills someone we do not blame the religion we blame the person. So why in the case of the 16 year old, we are all so quick to blame the head scarf.  First of all the scarf was not the reason she died, people are so ignorant.  Its obviously domestic violence which unfortunatley occurs in many households whether you are Muslim, Christian or Jew.  Islam does not promote violence.  It promotes peace.  I am sick and tired of the media propogating Islam in a negative light. IT HAS TO STOP.  Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and not by birht but by converts.  This has show for something.  People like what Islam is and stands for and therefore they coming to the faith in flocks. Satan is good but he's not that good.  Good always prevails over evil.

Killing in Islam is prohibited.  Islam teaches me that if I kill one person whether they are Muslim or not, its like killing all of humanity.  People who kill in the name of God have thier own agendas.  God does not need them to kill in his name, he needs them to give light and prestige to his name and that my friends is not achieved thtough killins ALL MUSLIMS know that!  To all you Canadians out there who are blaming Islam and who believe that all Muslims are terrorits.  I have this to say to you, All TERRORIST ARE NOT MUSLIM.  READ THE QORAN SO YOU MAY BECOME ENLIGHTENED WITH THE TRUTH, STOP SPECULATING.
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</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c247764</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c247764</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sat, 22 Dec 2007 13:17:48 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Roger</title>
<description><![CDATA[
What's perhaps even more upsetting is the notion that women are still blamed for being in the company of men who aren't their husbands. The penalty? <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071218.RAPE18/TPStory/?query=saudi+king+pardons" target="_blank">200 lashes and six months in prison</a>. If she's lucky.

As <i>The Globe and Mail</i> <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071217.wsaudipardon1217/BNStory/International/" target="_blank">originally reported</a>, "The victim in the case, known only as the 'Girl of Qatif' after her hometown in eastern Saudi Arabia, was in a car with a man in 2006 when they were attacked and raped by seven men."

This happened just last year in Saudi Arabia. I wonder what the penalty would have been had it been a man who was suspected of cheating on his wife.

What does this say about the differences in public perception of justice and equality?
]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246692</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246692</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:58:46 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sk?ter</title>
<description><![CDATA[
If it's not a symbol of oppression, what does it represent then?  Why don't the men have to cover themselves up?  Why do the women have to make themselves invisible so they don't attract attention and possibly get raped because some a-hole thinks she's attractive so she deserves it?  That last bit, btw, applies to to any culture, except not all cultures force women to cover up and not all cultures punish women when they are raped.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246300</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246300</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2007 06:51:17 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Castor Canadensis</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I'm wondering when Muslem men will start demanding that Canadian women start wearing hijabs and burqas because the hair and legs of Canadian women offend them ...]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246180</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246180</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:09:20 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>stak</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Unfortunately, some people such as Aqsa Parvez's father, think they are doing the right thing for Islam, while it is absolutely wrong. Islam does NOT abuse women, it honors them and gives them tons of respect and right. There are many parables from the Qur'an and Hadiths that impose equality and honor women. 

Just because Aqsa Parvez's father did this, does not mean you should automatically think that oh that's Islam, Islam is no good. Her father is the horrible person who killed his own daughter and he will be punished. Islam does not tolerate this at all. One of the Hadiths by Mohammad prohibits female infanticide, so it is completely against Islam. Her father thinks he did the right thing for Allah, but he is completely wrong. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246178</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246178</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:48:36 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>warmflash</title>
<description><![CDATA[
What's odd, is the absolute silence coming from the feminist camp. Nothing. Zip. Not a word about how Islam treats and abuses -- and in this case strangles -- women; especially those who don't tow the party line.

Is this because a lot feminists belong to the cult of multiculturalism and don't want to be seen as " imposing " their western value system on people from the third world?

If this had been a white girl from an upper middle class Toronto home, I suspect feminist groups would be up in arms protesting and chanting etc. ie: Jane Creba -- the pretty blonde haired blue eyed debutante who was shot to death in gang warfare on boxing day in Toronto a few years back. There were vigils for this girl like you wouldn't believe. It went on night after night. And it's not that I disagree with that at all.

Black girls from the projects get popped all the time, but the feminist groups never to seem to say or do anything when that happens either. I just find it all rather curious.

Predictably, ironically, Asqa Parvez' family buried her yesterday at some Mosque. Which is probably not what Aqsa Parvez would have wanted. I suspect she would have wanted a non-denominational service that featured her favorite hip hop, rap and pop tracks.

And just to add insult to injury, in an attempt to keep control of the service, someone mislead the interested about the starting time. Thousands of her non-Muslim high school friends and supporters of her freedom, intended to show up. The posted time for the funeral was 4 pm or something. So her supporters showed up at the appointed hour, only to be told the service had already happened, at noon. So go home. Get out. Allah has spoken.

As if that wasn't enough, a throng of Islamic Women appeared and staged a candle light vigil for the television cameras. And their spokesthingy kept saying " this is not about a clash of cultures or religion. It's about teen rebellion and domestic violence. " Blah blah blah. How universal the problem is. etc.

In the meantime, a storm extraordinaire rages over Toronto and no is talking about poor Asqa Parvez; who was strangled for Allah. And I guess we won't hear any more until the trial. Or sadly, until another kid is finished off in another " honor " killing.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246156</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246156</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:40:55 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Stan</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Aqsa was killed because she wouldn't follow her fathers wishes that she observe muslim practices, that makes it about Islam.
Closing our eyes to that will only make it more likely to happen again.
There is a segment of our society that elevates tolerance above all else, that's why they are prepared to ignore one of the main reasons for this young girls tragic murder.
And that's why it is more likely to keep happnennng if it is not loudly condemned.
You can't condemn something you refuse to acknowledge is happening.
They feel warm and fuzzy about their tolerance, too bad they aren't introspective enough to see that their unlimited tolerance contributed to this girls death and to the subjugation of muslim women everywhere.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246011</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/12/is_the_hijab_a_symbol_of_oppression/#c246011</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2007 22:55:39 PST</pubDate>
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