May 28, 2003
By: Tina Wong
- How does the Qur’an view women? Be specific.
The Qur’an says that men and women are equal. Both genders should constantly seek to please God. Frequently the Qur’an refers to “believing mena dn women” which further emphasizes the equality of the sexes. Men and women should peursue the goals of charity, devotion, patience, and humility. In the end, the Qur’an clals on men to live with women “on a footing of kindness and equity.” As well, women, alongside men, are called upon to live modest and virtuous lives.
- What is the hijab? Why might some women prefer to wear it in the modern world?
A hijab consists of a “veil” or head covering, similar to that worn by a Roman Catholic nun. Very few Canadian Muslims include the covering of the face, which is known as niqab. Many Muslims simply view the hijab as an essential part of their dress code, which is aimed at expressing a sense of modesty. Increasingly, Muslim women in Canada declare that modesty in dress is a mark of liberation and pride in their faith and culture. They point out that modesty is a requirement for both men and women. Younger women living in the West say that the hijab enables them to maintain a distinct Muslim identity. By wearing a hijab, a woman will not attract unwatned attention to her body. Instead, attention will more likely be focussed on her personality, her ideas, and her intellect.
- Do you believe that most Canadian youth dress immodestly? Explain.
I believe that a number of Canadian youth dress immodestly. What is considered “trendy” in girls fashions have become increasingly suggestive and provocative. They include tight shirts, tank tops with no backs, tube tops, and tight little t-shirts, sweatpants, and tiny tiny short shorts with suggestive words written in suggestive places (on chest, on seat of pants/shorts) such as “hottie”, “cutie”, etc.
Immodesty can also be found in guys’ dress. For some reason, it is “cool” to wear pants really low, so that guys walk like penguins, or like babies whose diapers need changing. Dressing like so indicates immodesty because these types of dress are unneccessary and uncomfortable (although those who dress as described above will adamently deny it).
- Does your school have a dress code? Do you support it?
MSS’ student dress code is as follows:
Students are free to express their individuality through their clothing within the confines of modesty and good taste. Tank tops that expose mid-riffs or very tight or revealing clothing are not suitable attire. Acceptable clothing does not include words or pictures which are drug-related or alcohol-related or which may be considered obscene, profane, suggestive, or offensive to any racial, ethnic or cultural group.
On the surface, this seems like a pretty good dress code. Basically, if it shows anything inappropriate or if it says anything inappropriate, it is inappropriate. I support it, because I deem it to be reasonable, but I am greatly disappointed by the lack of enforcement of this dress code on not only students, but teachers as well. There is no point in having a dress code if it isn’t going to be enforced properly.