Umm. I’m speechless.
When Muslim Couples Go Swimming
About John P.
John P. is a former CEO, former TV Show Host, and the Founder and Wizard behind Texas Metal Works. You can find him on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Feel free to send shoutouts, insults, and praise. Or Money. Money is good.
Hi everyone I am a 20 year old Muslim girl and I chose to wear the hijab. I don’t wear a abaya, I don’t wear a burka, I show my face and I wear normal clothes, I wear trousers shirts whatever you name it. For me all that matters is that my clothes aren’t skintight. I don’t wear the hijab because I believe men are ogling me, I wear it because my religion told me to, and I love my religion. I don’t judge anyone who doesn’t cover their hair or who chooses to show their body. That is your own choice, I won’t judge and I will be kind because that is also what my religion taught me. I think Islam is deeper than what you wear, many people misunderstand and just take it from being a good Muslim on the outside while neglecting who they are on the inside. And that is not what Islam is about. No1 is about being a good kind caring person, waymore important than anything you could ever wear. I don’t judge anyone but also I don’t expect the same courtesy from anyone else because I know how the world works. I will still however be kind to all no matter what you believe what you wear or whatever. My main priority will always be Islam because I love Islam and who it teaches you to be, how it teaches you to smile, to be kind , to give in charity. I wish that more people saw this side, most people just take words out of context and say that Islam is bad, but oh Islam is so so beautiful. And these ‘Terrorists’ are not good examples of Muslims. Again I repeat, I won’t judge anyone. Accept me, be nice to me, I will be your friend no matter what. What you believe or wear is not at all an issue or something to think about.
I would like to say that I don’t believe in the niqab, there was a reason that aisha RA and the others wore it and that reason is no longer there today nor does it pose a threat. But still to each their own. And if someone chooses to wear it, I will not put them down, I will instead be in awe of their strength as I can only imagine how difficult it must be
This picture is however adorable mashaAllah. Not because of what anyone is wearing but simply because of how he’s looking at her
Dear Someone,
As you said. You’re 20 years old. This means you’ve only been through the portion of your life when everything you know is stuff you’ve been told by your parents and others around you. You’re a child, and as yet unqualified to influence others.
All of the characteristics that you are attributing to Islam are normal characteristics found in humans, regardless of religion. Islam doesn’t have a patent on kindness, charity, or smiling.
After you’ve gotten a college degree (from a non-religious university), traveled the world, met people from all cultures, then you will be able to make a decision about what you actually want to believe and how you want to live. Until then, you are only a mirror of the culture you are surrounded in.
John P.
Wow, this is some terrific camera work. Oh and I dont think you should be going around putting up pictures like this, simply so you can have people see it and comment or whatever. I, personally am planning to wear the Niqab or Burqa when I’m done high school. SUE ME. But anyway, I probably wont ever come back to this site so anyone that feels the need to reply, take that into consideration. :) See Ya’ll later!
Wow i feel so bad for the women over there.
You shouldnt, the full covering is the most terrific thing I have EVER worn in my entire life. Dont pity us, because when we wear that Niqab we are liberated. We are free, no one has a choice but to really speak to the PERSON. No one ogles our bodies and we dont feel exposed. ever
To all,
As a westerner, I admit to observing the beach scene. It is common for the half nude male
and female to cross the path as well as the children in the same clothing. In a sense, this has become
a norm in several societies. While the image posted depicts a full covered woman and her companion swimming, to go as far as to call either of them “oppressed” or “enslaved to standards” may be a stretch or it may be indeed culturally accurate.
John, you make an excellent note on how men are perceived as being “animals without control of his desire of sexual urges” that is depicted and so call “results for the veil” I think it is actually a sexist remark to regard men as such in general, if we are to discuss gender inequality. Men and woman both influence behaviors of each-other. While it is obvious the female appearance has a larger market and more social connotation with being the worth of a woman, men also have their say in such issues. Both sexes are responsible for what influences they pose on themselves and the opposite as well.
However, as a woman who veils, I act so not in that I “protect” myself, but as a free choice to decide who has the right to see my body. I also believe as a woman I should not draw attention to my flesh and physical attraction because I believe it is my responsibility to display myself in a modest sense as a sister to not let men look and desire my physical attraction .I believe attractiveness has nothing to do with my character overall. Instead, to enjoy the water and warm weather, I can easily cover myself and explain to men and woman just because it is nicer weather, we don’t need to show more. This couple above may be enjoying their swim together without regard to any social implications. It is hard to say based off a photo.
In closing, I make the remark while as different societies behave in ways we may agree or disagree with, I can only ask that the truth be sought by considering both sides of the issue and what lies beneath each judgement. Everyone has an opinion, each one deserves a chance to be heard, regardless of what worth it is given. I have made the choice to veil not by force, but by my own understanding of a moral ethic and taking control of my femininity rather than having it control me.
Peace and Blessings to all. May your pursuit to truth may be full of enlightenment.
Sincerely, Nat
Wow the ignorance is astonishing!!
John P.
You haven’t asked me whether hijab is forced upon me or a voluntary choice? I’m a British citizen born and bred. I have the law to protect me. So ask me why I wear hijab? I can choose not to. Right? But I wear it? It’s called choice. My choice! Because I’m not blind to the wisdom behind it. If you fail to see it, that’s something you have to deal with. But don’t assume that we muslim women are forced to wear hijab.
Every person who defines freedom as the ability to flaunt yourself naked in front of strangers should realize that by doing that a woman isn’t empowering herself. She is a slave who is merely satisfying the lusts of people who wouldn’t otherwise give a toss about her. They are the ones who have power over her. It’s their sick desires she fulfills while emptying herself of self-respect. Is this freedom? Freedom no different to being able to throw yourself off a bridge when you wish.
John P –
You say the sexist woman could be in front of you and you wouldn’t attack her. Of course you wouldn’t. Women probably hand themselves on a plate to you. And if one doesn’t the next one will. You’re never hungry enough to attack.
You say your wife has a Masters? A job? It sounds as she had to have something for you to respect her. Would you give her the same respect if she were a homemaker and you the sole breadwinner. Sure you wouldn’t resent the fact that she does nothing but spend your hard earned cash? I know some non muslim men would. But a true muslim man feels proud to provide for his family.
You say muslim men have 100% more rights than women?
100% Really? Let’s separate fact from fiction. We’ll look at the authentic source of Islamic knowledge – The Quran & Hadith.
“And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them [al-Baqarah 2:228]
“but the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing on a reasonable basis†[al-Baqarah 2:233]
What is expected from the wife in return? Nothing, except guarding his wealth, her chastity (his honour) in his absence, and obeying him where he is religiously right. She is neither required to cook, clean, or even nurse their offspring. But if she does, she will be rewarded. She’s the queen. She commands love respect and care. The fact that a man has degree of right over the woman does not lower her status. In fact her status is raised from a woman of other religions. The ‘modern women’ is expected to do everything that should be a man’s responsibility if she wants to be recognized an equal. I find that very sad and belittling for a woman. The woman was meant to be treated like a jewel. Not be made the breadwinner and turned into a money making machine. All it proves is that men whose wives have to work are incapable of fulfilling their family’s needs.
Muslim men beat their wives? Men can be evil can’t they? No matter what race, creed, colour they are from. There will always be weak pathetic lowlifes who raise their hand to a woman. That includes ignorant muslim men!
But let’s see which teachings of islam ignorant muslim men are missing:
He (God) it is who did create you from a single soul and therefrom did create his mate, that he might dwell with her (in love)…(Qur’an 7:189)
“And among His signs is this: That He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect.” (Qur’an 30:2 1).
The Qur’an states:
“…But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein God has placed much good.” (Qur’an 4: l9).
Prophet Muhammad. (P) said:
The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best among you to my family.
The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives. (Ibn-Hanbal, No. 7396)
Behold, many women came to Muhammad’s wives complaining against their husbands (because they beat them) – – those (husbands) are not the best of you.
I’ve brought clear proof that islam does not condone ill-treatment of women in any way whatsoever. If you still want to believe what you want to believe, it’s up to you.
And please stop confusing what ignorant men do with Islam. Don’t talk about Human Rights Watch. It bears no testimony to Islamic teachings but culture and politics. I can guarantee you there are enough hostels full of beaten up non muslim women in the UK that will throw your misconceptions out the window. But muslims never say a Christian man beat up a woman. Rather we say ‘the man’ is wicked/evil for doing that. We never say a Catholic priest sexually abused a choirboy. We say a paedophile. We muslim don’t bring religion into people’s wrong and evils. No religion preaches wrong. But people from all religions can be bad when they don’t follow the teachings of that religion.
Lastly..
Deepak,
I’m amazed how I failed to notice your beautiful speech earlier. Truly uncalled for. I can also bring a lot of unacceptable practices from your faith, but I refuse to do that in order to make myself feel better. This is what islam teaches us – to not to give in to temptation for self-satisfaction.
Daz,
I know what you’re talking about and I apologize for the way those sickos have treated you. You are not the only one who is angry with them. We are too. They bring disrespect to our community and give our religion a bad name. I assure you if they followed Islam they would never behave like that. They are only born into the muslim faith but live by the thug culture. Drugs, alcohol and more. We are ashamed of them. You have the right to be angry. Please believe their behaviour and way of life is abhorred in Islam. I wish never to see them again.
Peace.
Thank you Ashley for a sensible post.
Deepak,
Perhaps you should also ask muslim women whether they are beaten and forced to wear hijab. Perhaps you should ask muslim reverts who forced them to wear hijab. Could it be that they did their own research on the matter and saw Islam as the beautiful religion it is? After all I’m sure you they accepted Islam from their own will. May be you’d like to dig a little deeper and you will see the Bible also tells women to cover their heads. Remember Christian women in Biblical times didn’t wear short skirts. They dressed modestly and when observing the dress code taught to them in the Bible they would also be covered like muslim women, complete with head scarves.
Bible – New International Version (©1984)
If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.
And, please Deepak, allow me to enlighten you on the rulings of punishment for adultery in Islam. As you already know adultery is punishable by death. However, there are criteria to be met in order for that punishment to be carried out. 1. Confession from the adulterer. 2. Four eye-witnesses who actually see the act take place. Not kissing, not touching, but the actual act itself. What’s the possibility of that happening? Where stoning is happening without meeting the criteria set by Islamic law then they are transgressing the boundaries set by Allah, and this itself is a serious sin.
Secondly, it isn’t only islam that calls for severe punishment for adultery. The Bible and Torah do too.
(Leviticus 20:10) . . .“‘Now a man who commits adultery with another man’s wife is one who commits adultery with the wife of his fellowman. He should be put to death without fail, the adulterer and the adulteress as well. .
In fact the Quran further protects women by prescribing a punishment for men who falsely accuse chaste women of adultery.
024.004 And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations),- flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors;-
I’d hate to think your comments rise from prejudiced views of Islam and not from real study of this beautiful religion. Islam is a complete way of life. It’s not just about worshipping God, but divine instruction on how to conduct ourselves in the best manner is all aspects of life on earth. It truly saddens me to know there are people who haven’t discovered this beautiful way of life, and probably never will.
Peace.
white people are racist first they hated jews and blacks now they hate Islam. the reason why the world would never be peace its because of the white people the make lies about everything let and they brainwash their people every time they make lies about islam. I hate white people they are the disease to this world. they are born to be evil and they will be always
subhan allah :)
que allah les protege
niiiiiice pic i looooooove it <3 <3
Me and my girl both believe the muslims got it right wis the viel thingy, wat kinda men would wanna see there,wives,moms,daughters walking around wis there boobs n bums flashing for every dirt bag to whistle at and fantersise over, and john matey ur kidding urself wen u say u will only get embarrassed and get a towel for a women that comes naked to ur door,if ur a real man u will definatly get a hard on.
We would all be better off if religion was to disappear from the face of the earth. The amount of suffering caused through history by religion can not be denied.There are so many dead gods , what is wrong with letting a few more die. Mankind will be better off .
The person that is abusing the women depends on the culture and the society that the he had been brought up in and the way she has been brought up, not by religion..no way in the history of the Prophet had he said to beat the women up…and no way has God said, to beat women up..There is a hadith, a saying that the Prophet Muhammad had said..he is Shocked at the man who laid a finger/beat a women, he condemned it, he respected women and urged men to respect them, after he had died, thats when Islam had split and Arab culture came in and womens rights in Arab countries went back to the way it was before Islam so they could take control, so men would show they where powerful. That in its self shows its not from Islam. People need to stop basing it on Islam and start basing it on culture and society, and in western countries, there are men who beat women and women who beat men, due to alcohol, or shall we say it is said in the bible although its not?
I see that the moslim women say they do not feel the need to show flesh. There is no need, it is 100% NATURAL, you have just been taught otherwise. There shouldn’t been any shame in showing skin, it is who you are. Now showing ALL, is probably a symptom of exhibitionism or low self esteem, but at least it is their choice, not the society, and they do not risk public floggings or imprisonment. I really don’t understand how that can make a person lose control, like muslims claim. Do they have a lower self control than others? Probably not, they are just victims of a repressed sexual nature. It reminds me of the scientific sociological/psychological experiment they used to conduct in the 70’s. A group was told they could never think of a polar bear, the other half could freely think of the polar bear. Guess which group thought more of the polar bear. The group that was DENIED the possibility.
And moslim women: NOt interested in beiing sexy? Riiiiight. In the lingerie stores in my hometown Oslo (25% muslims) the girls you will most likely bump into in the most outrageously sexy stores are young/unmarried/often veiled muslim girls. I guess they use sexy lingerie to express their sexual nature in SOME way.
But what really p… me off, is the fact that the lack of a veil is seen as a right by many adult moslim men to harass any woman not wearing it. At the same time you will note that western men manage to respect women wearing one or not. I have never been disrespected by a western man. But in predominantly christian Norway, moslem men have spat on me for not wearing one, called me a whore, groped me, etc… What is really is; an excuse for moslim men not to develop normal control of their own libidos. In 2009 the official statistic shows that all assault rapes in Oslo were carried out by moslim men on western women.
So my conclusion is that more than protecting women, the veil is a control mechanism that gives the men the right to demean anyone who doesn’t conform. So there is the the RESPECT you claim to have. And the most brilliant thing of all: They have actually convinced the women it is for their benefit. If it wasn’t so tragic, I would cry.
As for “god/allah/Jahve. Why did he ignore the salvation of millions of humans and suddenly appear 2000/1400 years ago? Surely an omnipotent creature would care for the salvation of stone age people as well? Since he didn’t, does that mean he is intentionally cruel, or perhaps a hint of his non-existence.
im ashamed to call my self a western..as far as modesty and respect goes..i give it all to the religion ISLAM….it knows how to keep its women safeguraded from the evil prey of lustful eyes and respect and dignity to the highest comodity.
BRAVO To fsalim, mushtaq, zara and afaf…your brilliant responses have surely silenced the likes of john and the sara’s of this world
Sorry, but none of the responses have been “brilliant”, including yours Sandra.
Every single answer here has focused on accusing men of being “lustful” and turning women into “sex objects”. Well guess what ladies! That is exactly what you are! (Everyone is!!!)
Humans were made to have sex. Biologically speaking it’s how the species procreates. You’re trying to take something natural and turn it into something dirty. Furthermore, you’re acting as if the women behind the burka never look at men and “lust” after them. Bullshit!
You go right ahead living a double standard and treating yourselves as less than equals. It does me no harm. But I feel sorry for you because you are blind to your own hypocrisy.
John P
John, I don’t know how “brilliant” you think you are, but you keep trying to argue your point by getting totally off the topic! As a biology teacher myself, I know pretty well that we have to have sex in order to have children! Dah! However, I would hope that I am a little different from the rest of the animals! What sets us aside from the rest of the members of the animal kingdom is God gave us a brain. Combined with the words of God that have set for us some rules to follow, humans have also used that brain to set a certain number of moral standards which they deem necessary for the greater good of humanity. Yes, I do look at my husband with lust! As a human with intelligence, I don’t let my animal instincts drive me; rather, I chose where and how to vent my animal instincts that God has given me. If not, then all will be chaos, and you will see humans having sex in the streets like dogs do with no discrimination between brother, sister, mom etc. (just like dogs do). Now, going back to the main topic of women covering themselves in Islam, again, first of all it is our choice and it is none of your damn business! I am not criticising how your wife or sister dresses and Please, stop criticising how people of my religion dress. If you choose not to understand, you could at least accept people for what they are and stop being such a bigot! I bet you won’t blatantly express your prejudices in public! I won’t put it past you to be a member of the KKK!
Nice. Hmmm… where to begin. Let’s see, I’ll make 5 points. That is all you are worth to me:
Sincerely,
Grand Wizard John P.
Salam Alaikum
@SAM [:if i was to go to IRAN what will happen to me if i was to wear my jeans and singlet and no scarf GIVE ME A BREAK respect us and our nation as we would in yours.]
I’m just wondering why you don’t say anything about the Christian’s !!!!sisters don’t they cover their selves too?? no but for you they(CH.S) are soo faithfull and they are doing this to serve God but when it come to muslim you are talking about men-phobi or i don’t know what!!!!
Now you are comparing yourselves with Iran WOW thought that you are the democratie one and the most open-minded
just see how your son look at sexy women. and compare how they look at muslim women.
respect the sexy women or drooling? what about muslim women? not a bit of lust, right?
at least i’m a muslim, wearing burqa and i’m not an object of sex.
thank to God.
The Muslim woman does not feel the pressures to be beautiful or attractive, which is so apparent in the Western and Eastern cultures. She does not have to live up to expectations of what is desirable and what is not. Superficial beauty is not the Muslim woman’s concern, her main goal is inner spiritual beauty. She does not have to use her body and charms to get recognition or acceptance in society. It is very different from the cruel methods that other societies subject women, in that their worth is always judged by their physical appearance. The are numerous examples of discrimination at the workplace where women are either accepted or rejected, because of their attractiveness and sex appeal.
big whoop, you should get a life and find more important things to be ummm.. im speechless about.. like the fact that billions of American tax dollars are given to Israel to support them in their acts of genocide year after year after year.
In this day and age you would think we have learnt to respect and accept each other’s beleifs and religious practices! First of all, John, you have to learn to live and let live! Second, to those who are “scared” to talk to someone wearing the burqaa or face mask, then don’t talk to them! I think there is the problem right there! Humans are often scared from the unkown. Also, it is much easier and less tasking on the brain to condemn than to understand, or at least accept others who are different from us. As a Muslim myself, I would like to tell you that I wear the abaya (long dress) and hijab because they are a symbol and an expression of my religion and who I am, just as how and what you and your wife dress and act might be the symbol of who you are and what you believe is right for you. Yet, you don’t see me going around snapping pictures of half-naked women in order to make fun of them, while you chose to scandalize this couple who are seemingly oblivious of what you have done with the nice and romantic outing they were having.
By the way, I would like to remind you that all monotheistic religions required their women to be covered. The only difference is that you chose to do away with all that a long time ago, but Muslims like to stick to their religion as it was set forth by God.
um ya… you are talking a lot John P. but.. i’m not a Muslim, but u need to know more about that coulture.. You know John.. woman dont must to cover yourself if she dont want but.. its realy perfect place to live for a woman.. if u r looking for respect You must to live in some of arabic countries (i’m not talking about egypt, turkey and some others).. few weeks before i was in Jordan.. you know i dont need to worry about my safety even if i want to go outside in the midnight.. i love muslim people.. and i realy understandd why they wants to cover.. i live in Lithuania.. in a midlle of east europe.. and i started to hate that coulture.. i’m talking about europe, america and others too.. u know there lives many freak people.. i want to go outside.. what can i see?? mini skirts even if a woman not so esteticly looking she wants to wear it.. why??? where is the beauty??? why they wants to show herselfs like this??? and there is many and i mean MANY woman like this.. and males are looking a woman for what??? sex? to have a good time? to create a family??? exactly.. woman is not a toy.. and why males using they as a toy?? blah blah blah.. u can do what u want but dont play.. be honest and say.. u need to have a sex toy in your house? may ur wife had few partners before u.. maybe not.. but just think and answer for yourself.. what would be better? to have a woman ant to know that you was only one man in her life. and she loves you so much so she was waiting you i mean that right person??? or its better to know that u have a woman and she had few partners before you?? ok now she is with u.. but maybe u r not perfect partner and she knows that but she still loves u but.. one day she can stop to look at you.. she cant feel that desire like she felt before.. and what she can do?? she will live in pain becouse she does’nt love u (she dont want u but u want) or she starts to look for another “the best” partner.. Muslim woman does’nt mean she must to stay at home..
p.s. im not a Muslim and im not so ugly, fat or smth that i need to cover my face to have a male:) but my husband is.. and i dont know better person to live with.. :)
My father and mother have studied the tru quaran and i suggest you take a look into it further than what you know, i recall reading somewhere that a women is not worth the puss and infection that may come from a mans nose, i was offended as i have many many muslim friends, My partner is muslim and his family is lovely but read further into it, yes now they have attempted to alter teh religion to benefit the women as a mother, a homemaker, a life giver but look deeply into it just as my parents did and you will see the truth, but let me assure you muslim men are WONDERFUL the women not so much !! you are lucky you found someone you love and is wonderful to you regardless of his religion we are all human and that is the most important part
goodluck to you and him
They just take things to far ( no bathing suit).
This is why there are so many extremist
One thing I really appreciate about Islam is that a woman does not feel this societal pressure to show flesh in oder to get attention. Good Muslim women get credit for their achievements and their conduct rather than their physical appearance.
Furthermore, a good Muslim woman only really cares about getting her husband’s attention and therefore does not need to show any flesh to any other men because in the end, the one you love matters the most. I think that’s a lot easier because it just helps us worry less. No offense to anyone, but many women around the world are constantly fussing about the way they look and whether men find them sexy or not. It’s not extremist at all. It’s actually very practical because:
1) a covered woman is less subject to being harassed and objectified
2) she doesn’t need to fuss about whether her outfit is sexy or not
3) a married woman doesn’t need to fuss about what the other men around her think
Blah, blah, blah… sorry, I don’t buy it. The things you are saying are just plain offensive even though you have no idea. (Or don’t care.)
What the hell is that supposed to mean? You’re honestly insinuating that any achievement a non-muslim woman makes is somehow based on her physical appearance?
My wife has a Masters Degree. She is an accomplished professional. She earns a lot of money, and has many employees. So you think that all happened because she’s pretty and people can see it? NO! She worked hard for her achievements.
We live in a society where ALL women show their face or whatever else they want – and when EVERYONE does it, it’s just normal. No one is sensitive to it. Just as YOU would not be if you weren’t TOLD to be offended by “bare flesh”. I bet when you were a child you ran around with other kids and there was no problem. Your culture told you at some point that you should be ashamed to continue being seen by other people – and what is sad is that you believed it.
There are literally BILLIONS of women walking around the Earth with their face, arms and legs exposed and you don’t see billions of men attacking, raping, and objectifying them. Which by the way is the most offensive thing that you insinuate.
Let me tell you a few things, and keep in mind I have NO reason to lie to you because I have no idea who you are:
If you stood in front of me wearing a normal shirt and jeans and talked to me I would judge you based on what you were saying and the way you said it. If you were beautiful, but acted rude and mean I would want nothing to do with you. If you were ugly but extremely sweet and kind I would want to talk to you.
If you stood in front of me wearing a complete burka (or whatever it’s called) and tried to have a conversation with me I wouldn’t want to talk to you for several reasons:
I assume you don’t consider me an equal (in many ways).
I assume you think I’d want to attack you if you “showed me your flesh” and I’m not a freakin animal.
I don’t trust any person who tries to wear a mask and talk to me. I’ve got no idea what you are hiding.
Anyway, in my opinion covering your body is a control mechanism plain and simple. You were taught to be scared of men, but you never realized that the men you should be afraid of don’t care if you are covered or not!
Anyway, try and have a nice life.
John P.
“I don’t trust any person who tries to wear a mask and talk to me. I’ve got no idea what you are hiding.” good joke John :DDDDD
the biggest mask on face u can’t see it:)
John,
I am amazed yet very appreciating of what you have said, I am a christian Women, i too am educated with a triple degree in various fields, many of my friends and community represents a majority of muslims, and though at times i am truely offended by their belief i also wish they would think beyond their quran, beliefs and religon, we do, so you would assume they would want to also. We live in a christian nation yet we allow them to dress in the way they chose and pray in their mosque you would want them to respect what you also have to say. France has its own ways and we do too at times i wish we would follow the french men and put a stop to burqa and scarfs only because that separation is drastic and does cause many forms of conflict, their own men and women abuse thier religion if we were to focus on the armed robberies and the fact the offender wore the burqa, scarf, abeye. in regards to hiding behind a mask well there you go how could you trust without being able to see the complete face, the emotion the movement, isn’t that what makes us unique isnt that what allows us to feel comforatble when we are socialising, so yes to us its hiding and to them its religion but they do need to consider our feelings as we consider them when we are serving a covered women in a supermarket not knowing what her face may look like and whether she has the capability of stealing or what not. I DO NOT intend to say all muslims are criminals infact it is not always muslims commiting a crime it is teh telescope placed on the community and it does not always mean a muslim when that telescope is being used they do say middle eastern, oh and i am of lebanese decent also. My main concern is that they judge us, they praise pictures as the one above but what really and truely offends me is the fact that because we are showing flesh it has to immedialty mean that we want attention, the difference between me and a scarfed women is i love to dress and i love my fashion and i can WEAR it without being spoken abotu isnt that the entire point of covering up, what tehy do not realise is that they cover up for tehir own men as our men do not feel the need to think sexually when they see the arm and they do not think or objectifying us and do not wish to rape us do i need to remind you about the bilal scaf situation it was not a christian that did so but a muslim or a few muslims and as a defence lawyer i STILL try to defend his actions so do not assume i am putting down islam. I feel that hatred and offensinve behaviour is not from the other cultures but from the islamic community, they assume the hatred upon them and as a result discussions get out of hand, as a christian i do not appreciate a muslim saying that i will nto enter heaven, and i do not appreciate the suggestion that showing flesh indicates iam a slut or crave teh attention and i certainly do not appreciate the hypocricy, Majority of my muslim friends who wear the abeye and scarf wish they could be in my shoes and my short dresses even for a day, they wish they could style their hair and walk out and not for the reason of attention or sexual purpose but for freedom but becuase their religion and community are unaccepting of trends and 2010 culture they do not have the ability to do so without being spoekn about, shamed or judged by their OWN religion, If they were to do that and walk down the street then i can assure everyone here that they will not be rapped, judged by a non muslim or threatened. Many ALAWI commnity members drink, dance, and do not wear the scarf and are very accepting of teh australian culture and christians yet for being so contemporary tehya re shamed by sunni believers and rejected as being apart of islam if not slaughtered for their belief, what does that say about the islamic belief that they kill their own becuase they chose to be a little contemporary now shame on you. To finalise i agree with John and i strongly appreciate comment because it brought light to the truth behind our opinions, as for the picture above i do not wish to see the lovely family in our beaches like that build a pool in your backyard, i do not wish to hear that NSW has a muslim beach when its a beach for all whether its only women using it or not, you wnat to swim in your burqa and abeye then sorry do so in your own backyard something about that picture makes me feel as if i am suffocating how could you swim in all of that without feeling heavy and pressure why would you allow your wife teh mother of your children to do so ? do you not see the danger in it? also their is thousands of women on the beach what a man is going to chose your wife and only your wife to perve at come on we are in 2010 lighten up you are living in australia a multicultural country and you are allowed to dress in your own way if i was to go to IRAN what will happen to me if i was to wear my jeans and singlet and no scarf GIVE ME A BREAK respect us and our nation as we would in yours.
APPRECIATE
Sam.
but wait ..
why we should blamed each other? . .
we have conviction of our beliefs,
I do not like to tell about my faith in ribadly..
can wait to get married*
haha!
( kidding*) (^_^)
dunnow ..
can’t keep my eyes off of this Pic ..
Masya Allah ..
Beautiful Pic ..
Masya Allah ..
oh dear. why do women submit themselves to slavery??? i guess its her choice, i dont want to be overly judgemental.. but she just goes and pretty much ruins everything we (as women) have fought for for years.
Ashley (Allah Rakha, Ismail, Yasif..whatever you real name is)
You just compared a bag of Sands to a Muslim women…that tells me how much blond(muslim) hair you have on your head.
Now, just because sex-starved men cannot control themselves, women should wear a Burkah in hot burning day? Do you even realize how how it gets in countries like Sudan, UAE and Pakistan?? Dumb girl, your logic is more retarded than the reason we went to war with Iraq!
You are telling us shit written in a book that most muslim countries don’t follow, a AMERICAN might beat his wife when he is drunk, these taliban and other muslim men beat women in broad daylight. Go watch some world news and find out how they treat women. Women are stoned to death if they found have a pre-martial affair… really??
Who the heck gave you the right to decide what is moral or not, if a adult woman likes a man, she can kiss him, hug or have sex with him, least she needs to ask a mullah cleric before doing anything. Don’t bother telling us how great ISLAM is, this is the same religion who tells muslims to kill everyone who is non-muslim, go fucking read quran page 456!!
Just shut your hole or get some to stuff something it it!
You Have to be speechless, where have u seen such decency on a beach…?! you have some kinda inferiority complexes that u have developed from seeing your mother as a little kid walking happily naked on the beaches being harrassed or as* pinched by this guy or that… or stared upon by these folks who left their beach vollyball game to stare with a lustfull eyes to your mom’s jumpin breasts so they might catch a nipple slip or somethin’…isn’t this what makes u happy or satisfied!????? Good for you Keep it up….
Hi all,
It is really a nice thing to see as it is freedom of choice and religion.As ever body has a right to live as his own pace and islam is a guide for this one.For me , infact islam is a guide of life .Without this , i would be lost .As i would not have an idea how to sleep , dress and even take bath.If that couple is enjoying than there is nothing wrong.infact i m speechless as how strong muslim they are and how weak i m.
Take care of u all and regards
Hello,
My husband and I embraced Islam two years ago, and it’s been amazing. He’s of German decent, and I’m half Spanish and half French. We are both Oxford graduates, and our mindsets have never been more clear than they are right now. I do not yet wear a head scarf, but will in the near future – not to conform to some old, ignorant tradition the extremists are trying to force, but to let everyone around me acknoweldge that I am a Muslim woman. I disagree with the concept of completely enshrouding oneself in a long, trailing veil – no where in the holy text does it condone treating women disrespectfully or objectively. But I do think that it is necessary to exhibit a sense of modesty, and to let people enjoy themselves as they wish. Even though the photo doesn’t look exactly legit..
wow. yanno i think to each his own on this one. but if she wanted to wear something else then she should be allowed. by HER decision.
and did we noticed the little girl in this picture. is she in robes? no. does she stand the possiblity of rape? YES. just look at the track record of the WORLD. nothign to do with race or color.
so if rules are going to be set, then they shouldnt be set to just older women that are married or engaged. because there is nothing stopping the same “beast” that would rape the robed woman, from raping that little girl.
Salwa,
I’m really trying hard not to call you an idiot. YOU are the one who jumps straight to thinking about nudity. YOU are the racist who labels and judges me. The FACT is, I don’t need to see you or any other woman naked. I’ve got that covered just fine, thank you. What is at issue here is your attitude – not mine.
You succumb to the absolutely fallacious thinking that all men are uncontrollable dogs. That if a woman doesn’t cover herself from head to toe with black robes, the men will be unable to keep from raping them.
There is no self respect involved! If you had respect for your self, you would not feel the need to hide every inch of your “self” except your eye sockets. I tell you what, why don’t you go ahead and put on some mirrored sunglasses too and make the “respect” complete.
No. These clothes are an institution designed to help men control their property. And don’t worry, you don’t have to believe me. But deep down inside you know that as a woman you are absolutely NOT 100% equal to your man. He is above you in all ways – and that makes you a slave.
For the record, I would treat you as 100% equal. And that means holding you equally accountable for your own decisions and actions. So do what you will, but don’t think that you’ll escape judgement for your choices.
John P.
yeah totoally agree with you. i think its sooo sweet. they look so happy togther too. and they enjoy each others company even though they are nto naked.
non muslims need to be naked and indecent in order to liek someone or enjoy thier company its something i see in the west. they need educating and fast too.!!!
Awww i think that is soooo romanntic and sweet. (envious)
why are you speechless? becuase a couple are swimming? i dotn understand you are ok with nudists and girls in G strings and topless. but when a women has self respect and respects that people don’t want to see her body and every inch of it. you dont like it? so you hate modesty and you love tarty?? hmm you got it the wrong way round, you need your head fixing. typical arragont man who likes to see naked people. typical western man!
yes i am with “Seriously”
plsu this pic may be a fake one
anyway it’s freedom….or u just have your own freedom !!
i just wonder why werent u speachless of nudists ? didnt you say you believed in freedom ?ok j let it be, leave whomever wants to swimm swimm on his own (ideology ) and mentality and free will ……….it’ sa a free country ! ISNT IT ? or is it only free up to your own choice ???? strange !
nudists are ok to be nude yet covered up muslim women arent ? OH MY GOD !
u r bunch of hipocrits if i am excused to say MY OWN IDIOLOGY TOO as you were SPEACHLESSSSSSS !
Hello,
The Islamic countries such as saudi arabia, are not following the Islamic law standards when you see them treated in such a way. It is true that these countries may treat women badly, but this is not by the way of Islam, instead by the way of corruption of society. In Islam, women are respected equally to men, and this has always been a strict rule.
yes the virgin mary does have a veil on but it’s not to “protect” her. i agree with john that muslim women who feel they wear it for protection have been culturally brainwashed.
The thing is John you are making accusations. Someone said that only muslems do that? That’s a generalization and usually people attack something which is mysterious, something that they don’t know a lot about.
Tell me something… John… doesn’t Virgin Mary have a veil on?
Dear John … :)
I recommend you to study Islam and well-known cause of the veil ..
Believe me, I love him, not because I am compelled by
I wonder who’s wife is she???
I hope that is a midget between her legs.
Wait a minute… You wear a Burkah for protection? From what?
Your biggest problem is that your actually scared of the people who surround you. If you showed up at my door completely naked the only things that would happen would be:
The bottom line is, it doesn’t matter how much of your body you reveal – no one should ever touch you without your permission, and any religion or culture that justifies violating a person for any reason is wrong.
John
I agree with Ashley the we CHOOSE to wear the Burkah is for our own personal protection
I’m muslim and I’m proud to be
hi there,
wake up people
we are not abused at all at least not all of us
and one note to consider,
you find good things and bad things every where and in every religion you only have to learn how to live with it,
a.s
I agree with you. I worked in Saudi Arabia for 8 years and women (not just Muslim) are treated very badly. Irrespective of their religion, women had to wear an abaya and cover their heads. It was usual to see women riding in the back of a dirty pick-up whilst the men were up in the cab. In Iran and the Taliban-run Afganistan not wearing the stipulated attire meant severe penalties.
And yes, I have witnessed the scenes in the photograph first hand in Yanbu Saudi Arabia where this was a common activity at the weekends. I always wondered of the health implications of women swimming fully dressed, then sitting on the beach soaking wet after which they jump into a vehicle with the a/c going full blast.
Finally, I’m sick and tired of people making comments about situations and events about which they know nothing. Unless you have experienced Islam first-hand, don’t make any comments. I dislike people going to England and imposing their beliefs, culture and ideas upon the country usually as asylum seekers then blowing up tube trains. That’s why I live in Spain.
having lived in a muslim are of birmingham for 3 years now i can say that no matter what you ‘pc’ people say about women having rights its all rubbish! i myself got bullied by some muslim men and called ‘whitey’ which really annoyed me! not as much as everytime these muslim men drive round they cannot help but wind down windows and make comments to girls/women of any ethnicity! this really pisses me off!
if someone wants to come and live in our country then they should obide by our laws and our culture! not come and make it their own country!
all you politically correct people are full of bullshit! and jump at the chance to try and preach your views and jump on anyone you concider to be wrong! theres a thing called freedom of speech (which is a law in our country) and i believe john can say anything he wants!
Salaam Aleykum
Just to let you know, Hijab Swimwear is available from modestswimsuits.co.uk
International Shipping available
Wa-salaams
As an ex muslim, and a woman, I can assure you that women in islamic countries are treated like somewhat retarded infants who cannot think for themselves and if not guarded round the clock, are likely to have sex with someone or more likely be raped by some sex starved compatriot! Women are certainly not free, and the sooner they wake up the happier i will be!
Waaa!!! I don’t know you, but I know I don’t like your opinions! Waa!!! You hurt my feelings! You don’t understand! Muslim men can’t control themselves around women and can’t be trusted around them! Waaa! You are anti-islam because you are used to a different culture! Waaa! Waa!
–Isn’t flaming is retarded?
I admittedly did not read the whole post. But the fact that is so long and crass tells me it’s not worth reading. Get over it.
Hi guys. you must cry for human. i see cats are more free to us.
i live in IRAN, really hell for me. I’m not religious and burning my life between muslims.
IF u don’t like Iran than u should must get out of there
Lighten up guys, this is a funny picture even our Lebanese reader here found the actual picture funny if you read his post…
Kim:)
First,
I was talking about the picture and the fact that women could be jailed if they wear bikinis; and about the fact that the picture above reflects a true fact about the muslim world…and which seems not, because the article (lebanese woman) you used clearly states in the first sentence:
“From bikini-clad girls sunbathing on the beaches of Jounieh, to mothers in hijab (head cover) strolling the streets of Baalbeck, the women of Lebanon are as diverse and contradictory as the environment in which they live.”
The author didn’t mention anything about being jailed for sunbathing on the beaches of jounieh which is a great beach i advise you to pay a visit and check the lovely girls there.
Plus, summer is just starting here…if you still don’t believe so, i can go to a beach in a city where the majority are muslims and take random photos for you to show you the fact about what i was talking.
I just don’t want people to picture things as if they are in the photo and generalize.
Finally about this topic, i will Re-add that the picture above does exist and i also laugh about it; But AGAIN it constitutes a minority of the Islamic world which is simply uneducated and living in a censored closed environment.
Second, About the topic you started which is about woman’s rights.
Again the article you used and which seems to be OLD also clearly states: “An estimated 50 percent of college graduates are women and the number of working women recently increased to make up 27 percent of the total labor force. This is a relatively high number compared to other Arab countries where the percentage of working women ranges from eight percent in Bahrain to 33 percent in Jordan.”
which gives you a picture about Lebanon and what i was talking about.
I agree 100 % with you that women in the Arab world have less rights (much less) than men; which is something not good and which i’m against. i Believe in equality in the human rights.
What you don’t understand about me asking for equality loudly, and being a Muslim is straightforward. What you quoted from the Koran is not what it means word by word; in fact…i wish you knew Arabic well to understand the true meanings of the quote. The true meanings are that Men have more power than Women in terms of physical power and abilities; and that’s why men were viewed differently in the past world where life wasn’t as easy as today {ride horses…cross deserts…this is present in every western movie about the Arabs :-) }
On the other hand… i want to let you know that Islam carried more rights and equality to slaves that carried zero rights relative to women nowadays.
Final point, the article you used i think is old (it seems so) and since then, Lebanon has evolved greatly i guess. You just have to check American Idol and Star Academy (french version of american idol) to know how western the world is becoming. :-)
Peace.
Zaher,
I’m happy to be more specific. To start with, since you bring up Lebanon, here is a list of human rights violations against Women in the laws of Lebanon. And here is a Lebanese woman’s views on the matter.
Also according to Human Rights Watch:
The article also goes on to say the following:
As you read through that document the word many appears over and over. So actually many is indeed the correct word.
Now, to be very, very specific. Since you are Muslim, if you marry your Girlfriend both your religious laws and country laws will recognize you as the head of your household. You will wield absolute power over your wife in many ways. This is not equality, this is the truth, I’m not making this stuff up.
Now here is what I don’t understand. The Koran is absolutely clear that men are above women. (“Men have a status above women.” (2:228)) So why on Earth would Muslim men ever claim they believe in equality of the sexes? If you are truly Islamic why not just stand up and say “Yes. Men are NOT equal to women, they were put here to watch and rule over them!”
The bottom line is, until all countries have laws that make women 100% equal to men, and until those laws are enforced, those citizens cannot claim to believe in equality – and women will never be free.
John
At what age are Muslim women required to cover up, the girl in the picture certainly isn’t for example?
If nothing else, it is a good way to have a swim and get your clothes washed into the bargain :)
Reply to John P.
I think you are GENERALIZING !!
“If a woman in many middle eastern countries were to dress “western style†– even including a long dress or a business suit – she could literally be jailed… or worse!”
–> many is not the right word here… I live in lebanon… and i invite you to come here and live the life that you are not back there. (Plus, i’m muslim)
“When Muslim Couples Go Swimming”
–> You were talking about equality and you sounded so specific; so please be specific when talking and do not generalize because i am muslim and my girlfriend is and we believe in islam; and when we go swimming my GF wear bikinis like everybody in this country and other countries in the middle east.
To make things clear: i am not saying that the picture above does not exist; i know it does and i laugh about it; but to believe that this is the truth about islam and to generalize that all muslims are what is in the above picture is not even 10 % of the truth; which is way less than you’re 99.99 % Mr. accurate.
Peace.
The pic is strange but not all the Muslim couple do this.You may say “When Some Muslim Couples Go Swimming”
Ashley,
John said nothing against islam nor muslim women in his post. Actually, he said NOTHING. You just assumed that, as Muslims ALWAYS DO.
He posted a photo, which is truly funny. I would say it is super normal to share a photo. Keep in mind, he did not say if it was funny.
John, thanks for sharing, keep this cool stuff coming.
Adi
Thats hot :)
OMG will you guys lighten up!!! This photo is FUNNY by American standards!!!!
Ashley,
First of all let me say that I have nothing against any woman – muslim or otherwise. I maintain only the deepest respect for humans of any race, religion, or nationality.
You and I are going to have to have to disagree here because what you claim is “voluntary” I argue is forced. If a woman in many middle eastern countries were to dress “western style” – even including a long dress or a business suit – she could literally be jailed… or worse! This is not freedom! And just because some uneducated, sheepish women decide to believe in the justification does not make it right. People used to believe the Earth was flat too.
The argument that women are “safer” in a country where women are completely veiled is heinously incorrect! In fact, I consider it insulting. You said:
This insinuates that men are so predatory that they cannot control themselves. Ridiculous. The sexiest woman on earth could be standing naked in front of me and it wouldn’t make me attack her!
The men who are going to be predators are going to attack women no matter what they are wearing! In fact, women in the West are far, far, far, far safer! In the middle east women are stigmatized if they are raped – and can even be put to death although they are the victims! For this reason, women wouldn’t even report it if they were raped! Mighty convenient I would say!
You also argued:
They may indeed. But they do not have 100% the number of rights that men do. And I am going to disagree vehemently any time that condition is not met. Women are equal to men. I will never entertain any other viewpoint.
By the way, believe what you want, but we’ve got the Islamic preachers lecturing on the proper method of beating a woman… and this other one backing him up. And have you read the MULTIPLE comments from Islamic women who are battered and frightened? So this point is not really in dispute. Don’t confuse the situation in the US with that overseas.
In the end, I believe that you have projected beliefs onto me that are unjust. I have never stated anything in all my writings to warrant being called a “racist”. Indeed, I am as far from that as one could imagine. I have also never mentioned anything about the war. My comments here have nothing whatsoever to do with the War, oil, propaganda, or women.
I believe in equality. And equality is one of those things that is black and white. You cannot be 99.99% equal to me – that just makes you less.
John
I guess it is unethical to comment on a picture like that regardless of…
I knew this Iranian family in California. They told me that to go to Iran as a couple who are sleeping together but not married was punishable by inprisonment. Muslim or not. Don’t know if things have changed since the 90’s.
Regardless, oppression based upon gender is barbaric. Women get the rawest deal in the Mid-east.
from where u get this pic. i dont think is nice to comment on these kinds of pics.
it’s ridiculous if you ask me ;)
We had some friends in Richardson, who were from Iran, and they would go home every summer. The mom was a real sweetheart and she just loved my daughter, and she was joking about taking my daughter with them, too. She told us about how they would swim in the river every day and it was so much fun. I was curious, though, so I asked her, “But what do you wear when you go swimming in the river?” I was picturing in my mind some kind of odd, long bathing suit like Lucy wore in I Love Lucy.
Nope – she said they were fully clothed when they went swimming. And even though, they wore western clothes here in the states, when back home, the girls were not to leave the house with their legs or arms showing. (I don’t think they covered their heads, though.) And they wore the traditional Iranian clothing – so it’s over 100 degrees, and they are swimming in long pants and a robe. I was completely amazed….in a shocked and saddened way, of course.
RHB, I think you’re missing the point. John sees this as one of the most disgusting human practices he can think of – as he stated in the comments of this post – https://onemansblog.com/2007/12/28/whats-the-point/ So I don’t think it’s making fun, at all, merely pointing out the ‘oh my God’ factor of it all.
Does she wear sun lotion? On a more serious note the other week I was walking past this park here and saw two girls running in these. It was 28C
Babewatching on the beach there must be a little boring…
Kim:)
That’s more like wading than swimming…
Whats the big deal they are just wearing clothes and swimming.
John, seriously, what the hell do you have against Muslim women?
I read a previous post by you with the photo of a man taking photos of women wearing the Burkah.
You said there what you hated was the fact that the Women in Islam are treated as objects and that Muslim husbands beat their wives and you have no respect for them.
Well, I’m not Muslim, I won’t pretend to be, but because of the modern events and all the propaganda we see on our TVs and in our newspapers I did some research of my own and even spoke to Muslims.
Women in Islam are NOT to be treated as objects, the fact that they CHOOSE to wear the Burkah is for their own personal protection, all the guys are here would know how it is to look at a non-Muslim girl in a bikini or even just wearing a short top and skirt, and where the mind wanders with those thoughts. Thoughts like that in the extreme cases lead to murders, rape and other vile acts – those are the people you should have no respect for.
Wearing the Burkah was intended to PROTECT the women, make their bodies less revealing to hose preying eyes, and in the home obviously they can take it off for the person that’s allowed to see the husband (and family etc). More recently they receive more attention because of the way countries like America have exploited them.
It’s like saying you have something really precious, say a bag of diamonds. If you go around flashing that bag around you’re just tempting others, and sooner or later by doing so you’re going to get some sort of trouble. Where if you choose to hide and protect that bag it’ll remain safe.
The point you made about Muslim men beating wives is completely PATHETIC. Islam does not teach their men to beat wives or to treat them as second class citizens. Women have a whole host of rights in Islam. They are not compelled to cook, clean, stay at home – the husband doesn’t even bear the right to know how much money the wife has, nor does the wife ever have to share her money with the husband. The husband should show nothing but respect to their wives. The list goes on, which if you care to do your own research you’ll find out. Do you really think a religion which teaches Muslims to even have compassion for their non-Muslim neighbours is going to tell men to beat up wives?
Non-Muslim culture still has wife-beaters – the amount of cases you’ve heard of women getting beat by their husbands because he was drunk in America – that’s just certain people, it’s not a teaching of any religion.
I think you should stop believing the anti-Islam garbage that the American propanganda machine churns out for you in order to gain your support for the unjust war on the Muslim countries for the control of the remaining oil.
Try doing your own reasearch, visit a Mosque, talk to some Muslims – and get some unbiased books (be careful with that, as you will see some more biased books with false information). Then you’ll see the truth and hopefully stop being so racist and prejudice towards Islam and the women in that religion.
And when non-Muslim women are allowed to roam the streets:
http://imageurlhost.com/images/r1paon7nwejlot89mchj.jpg
There are 2.1billion christians(all types) in the world, 1.5 billion muslims, and growing. It is estimated by 2035 muslims will outnumber christians in the UK, maybe it is time to stop making fun of how they swim…
What do you mean Umm.I’m speechless. It’s plainly obvious that the water is cold!