Middle East Features
By Pakinam Amer
Jan 29, 2007, 11:18 GMT
Cairo - Naira El-Sheikh -an Egyptian ex-fashion model - wore Hijab (Islamic headscarf) for more than five years. Her friends considered her 'an icon' for choosing 'piety' - Hijab being the symbol - over anything else.
Two weeks ago, Naira decided to take it off - the scarf that has been covering her hair from peering eyes and which completed the traditional conservative dress that Muslims generally wear in the Islamic world.
'When I made this decision there were extreme reactions from the people I know,' said Naira. 'Some people called it an overdue correction of a mistake. 'Welcome back!' they said. And others would not want to talk to me. I haven't welcomed any of these reactions.'
According to 25-year-old Naira, women from her age have been put under great pressure because of how the Egyptian society perceives Hijab and in turn veiled woman.
A veiled woman is not allowed the same 'liberties' that an unveiled woman is, and is usually held to different standards.
'I do believe Hijab is not just a dress code, it's a statement, a behavior and an attitude that you embrace,' said Naira. Nevertheless, she said that the society 'has come to expect so much from a veiled women.'
Upon donning the veil, the woman has to adopt certain conformist behavior that include maintaining a low-profile in public and abstaining from 'casual relationships' with the opposite sex.
Although this strict understanding of the veil is not outlined by the Koran, Naira explained that she tried to strictly abide by this socially-backed 'behavioral code' when she first took the veil on.
'I drastically changed my lifestyle but still it did not fit the expectations of some hardliners from both extremes - the so-called liberals and the so-called conservatives,' she observed.
Naira wore the headscarf, but juggled baggie pants, long skirts and long-sleeved shirts to preserve her individual style. Islamic scholars still disagree about the extent of how a Muslim woman should 'cover up.'
The Muslim's holiest book clearly states that a woman should cover her cleavage and dress modestly - but any other restrictions on dress remain debatable.
So the form of Hijab as many know it - one that includes headscarves and long robes - has been only common in Egypt and other neighboring countries for the past few decades, when a wave of 'piety' started to engulf some countries in the Middle East.
In the early 1990s particularly, Egypt transformed into a more conservative state where an estimated 70 per cent of Muslim women took on the Hijab.
Some women even started covering their hair with scarves while preserving their dress style that included wearing tight pants and body-hugging tops.
TV preacher Amr Khaled was one cleric who is considered to have introduced this neo-Islamic conservative trend.
Khaled, who abandoned the traditional scholarly robe for a suit and a tie, seemed to use a different tone of preaching that quickly captivated many of Egypt's younger people, many who usually left the mosque with teary eyes and a strong resolve to get closer to God.
Prayer, fasting and reading Koran became more common and Hijab for the girls was no exception.
Although scholars are divided about whether the scarf and the traditional Islamic gown is 'an obligation,' Khaled and several preachers who gradually rose to popularity, vehemently advocate it.
But as stricter forms of Hijab started to be widely adopted, another view emerged - that the veil has been used by radical scholars to 'control' and constrain women.
The rise of 'conservatism' seemed to go out of proportion, as certain apparel like the opaque face-veils and head-to-toe cloaks began to spread. This was also coupled by the 'inactivity' of some women who chose to confine themselves at home after donning the veil.
Many liberals feared that this trend may introduce to Egypt elements of 'backwardness' that are imported from Arab countries which promote a more rigid form of Islamic practice.
In a newspaper column, Islamic intellectual Mohammad Emara wrote against what he called 'Islamic transgressors' who use Hijab as a 'tool' to oppress Muslim women.
Emara said these people, who are engaged in a power struggle with women, force upon them a stringent lifestyle that is not necessarily compatible with what Islam preaches, and which is 'more political' than it is religious.
Emara advocated the headscarf but said that some scholars 'are attempting to push women back to the age of harem' with the Hijab.
Caught in the row between the contemptuous liberals and the uncompromising hardliners, some young women like Naira continue to struggle for 'a balance' between Islamic practice and living their life to the fullest 'without sin.'
Even with a veil on, Naira - a single mother - remained committed to a full-time day job as a business development manager, among other activities.
And after taking the veil off, Naira insists on 'practicing' Islam. And, she may return to covering her hair - 'when I am ready.'
But for her, the decision to take it on or to abandon it is both personal and religious - one that cannot be decided by preachers and their loyalists in the mosques.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/features/article_1252962.php/Veil_off_-_one_womans_life-changing_decision
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Veil_off_one_woman_s_life_changing__01282007.html
Monday, January 29, 2007
Monday, January 01, 2007
DPA: Political conflicts seep into Lebanon's classrooms
Middle East Features
By Pakinam Amer
Jan 1, 2007, 2:25 GMT
Beirut - Political conflict has seeped into classrooms as college and high-school students and even children take sides while Lebanon suffers under a deteriorating political standoff.
'Are you (the ruling) March 14 (Forces) or opposition? the kids at my school always ask me nowadays,' says a young veiled student aged around 15, adding that fellow students once threatened her with a stick as they asked her who she supported.
Lebanon has been witnessing political turmoil since clashes erupted between opposition forces and the government several weeks ago.
The Shiite Amal and Hezbollah movements withdrew their support from the government, freezing their parliamentary membership and urging followers to take to the street in a sit-in that has been ongoing since December 1.
In two of Lebanon's main squares, hundreds of opposition remain gathered under white tents, holding rallies every night and bringing family and friends to join in.
Their attempt to topple Prime Minister Fouad Seniora's regime and to discredit Saad Hariri - leader of Future party and son of slain leader Rafik Hariri - have met a rigid stand from Seniora's regime.
Supporters of the government also have held rallies, but their voices were always drowned by the daily festival-like protests that the opposition held in the squares in they occupy.
Children and teens have been joining in the rhetoric. Political discussions and outspoken support for certain factions have led some schools to impose a 'punishment' system in which students lose points if they 'talk politics', whether in class or on the playground.
Teachers and professors were also banned from publicly expressing their political standpoints.
'But they can't hold themselves back. The teachers tell us not to discuss politics, but they discuss it despite themselves,' says Khaled el-Arabi, a Sunni high school student, who supports the opposition.
But while many of the opposition claim it is 'healthy' to talk politics, just as many school headmasters have told the press recently that the conflicts are tearing their students apart, dividing them and sometimes leading to rowdy arguments and fights.
'It bothers me that it has affected students so much,' says Mohammed, a 16-year-old at a private college. 'We clash. In some arguments, I feel that I might lose a friend because of differences.'
Two young opposition supporters, who refused to give their names, say they have been 'disciplined' by their college professor for expressing their views. 'They don't want fights because of this,' says one.
On the first day of the opposition's sit-in, a witness said a fight erupted between young rival supporters in one of Beirut's neighbourhoods. Even young children barged in and threw stones at each another.
Observers have told local TV and radio talk shows that while being 'politicized' can be healthy in adults or college students, it is not so for children aged 10 or 12, and they back the school ban on political discussions.
Some also say the children should not be blamed, but their parents. In protests, children often simply tag along, and so come to repeat what their parents say - perhaps without full realization. Because of the protests, many have become outspoken.
Speaking to a small group of the Hezbollah 'al-Mahdi' Girl Scout, all no older than 12, makes clear they are more involved than their ages suggests.
Listing reasons why Seniora's government was 'illegitimate' and how the premier had failed Lebanese people during last summer's 33- day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the girls are passionate and outspoken as they state what they 'believe in'.
Using words like 'democracy,' 'a need for a clean government' and knowing the names of American foreign diplomats, the girls sound beyond their age.
Nevertheless, some say they are facing problems because of politics and lack of 'tolerance.'
Zeinab, a 10-year-old member of Hezbollah's al-Mahdi Girl Scouts, says: 'One teacher told me 'if girls like you (from Hezbollah) stop going to school, Lebanon will be free and liberated'.'
Zeinab says she has asked to be moved to a Hezbollah-dominated school because of such comments, 'and to also be among my friends.'
At another level, some argue that students - no matter how old or young - are distracted by the protests, and that the hyped political activities are ruining the school year as end-of-term exams approach.
'I'm failing some subjects because of this,' says el-Arabi, the Sunni student, explaining that he is 'a clever' student.
El-Arabi's friends, standing at his side, also say they lost marks because they have often abandoned studies in order to go watch the festival-like rallies held every day.
And a headmaster has recently told the pan-Arab al-Arabiya television that some children have used the rallies as an excuse to skip school.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/features/article_1238567.php/Political_conflicts_seep_into_Lebanons_classrooms
http://www.aina.org/news/20070101154018.htm
By Pakinam Amer
Jan 1, 2007, 2:25 GMT
Beirut - Political conflict has seeped into classrooms as college and high-school students and even children take sides while Lebanon suffers under a deteriorating political standoff.
'Are you (the ruling) March 14 (Forces) or opposition? the kids at my school always ask me nowadays,' says a young veiled student aged around 15, adding that fellow students once threatened her with a stick as they asked her who she supported.
Lebanon has been witnessing political turmoil since clashes erupted between opposition forces and the government several weeks ago.
The Shiite Amal and Hezbollah movements withdrew their support from the government, freezing their parliamentary membership and urging followers to take to the street in a sit-in that has been ongoing since December 1.
In two of Lebanon's main squares, hundreds of opposition remain gathered under white tents, holding rallies every night and bringing family and friends to join in.
Their attempt to topple Prime Minister Fouad Seniora's regime and to discredit Saad Hariri - leader of Future party and son of slain leader Rafik Hariri - have met a rigid stand from Seniora's regime.
Supporters of the government also have held rallies, but their voices were always drowned by the daily festival-like protests that the opposition held in the squares in they occupy.
Children and teens have been joining in the rhetoric. Political discussions and outspoken support for certain factions have led some schools to impose a 'punishment' system in which students lose points if they 'talk politics', whether in class or on the playground.
Teachers and professors were also banned from publicly expressing their political standpoints.
'But they can't hold themselves back. The teachers tell us not to discuss politics, but they discuss it despite themselves,' says Khaled el-Arabi, a Sunni high school student, who supports the opposition.
But while many of the opposition claim it is 'healthy' to talk politics, just as many school headmasters have told the press recently that the conflicts are tearing their students apart, dividing them and sometimes leading to rowdy arguments and fights.
'It bothers me that it has affected students so much,' says Mohammed, a 16-year-old at a private college. 'We clash. In some arguments, I feel that I might lose a friend because of differences.'
Two young opposition supporters, who refused to give their names, say they have been 'disciplined' by their college professor for expressing their views. 'They don't want fights because of this,' says one.
On the first day of the opposition's sit-in, a witness said a fight erupted between young rival supporters in one of Beirut's neighbourhoods. Even young children barged in and threw stones at each another.
Observers have told local TV and radio talk shows that while being 'politicized' can be healthy in adults or college students, it is not so for children aged 10 or 12, and they back the school ban on political discussions.
Some also say the children should not be blamed, but their parents. In protests, children often simply tag along, and so come to repeat what their parents say - perhaps without full realization. Because of the protests, many have become outspoken.
Speaking to a small group of the Hezbollah 'al-Mahdi' Girl Scout, all no older than 12, makes clear they are more involved than their ages suggests.
Listing reasons why Seniora's government was 'illegitimate' and how the premier had failed Lebanese people during last summer's 33- day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the girls are passionate and outspoken as they state what they 'believe in'.
Using words like 'democracy,' 'a need for a clean government' and knowing the names of American foreign diplomats, the girls sound beyond their age.
Nevertheless, some say they are facing problems because of politics and lack of 'tolerance.'
Zeinab, a 10-year-old member of Hezbollah's al-Mahdi Girl Scouts, says: 'One teacher told me 'if girls like you (from Hezbollah) stop going to school, Lebanon will be free and liberated'.'
Zeinab says she has asked to be moved to a Hezbollah-dominated school because of such comments, 'and to also be among my friends.'
At another level, some argue that students - no matter how old or young - are distracted by the protests, and that the hyped political activities are ruining the school year as end-of-term exams approach.
'I'm failing some subjects because of this,' says el-Arabi, the Sunni student, explaining that he is 'a clever' student.
El-Arabi's friends, standing at his side, also say they lost marks because they have often abandoned studies in order to go watch the festival-like rallies held every day.
And a headmaster has recently told the pan-Arab al-Arabiya television that some children have used the rallies as an excuse to skip school.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/features/article_1238567.php/Political_conflicts_seep_into_Lebanons_classrooms
http://www.aina.org/news/20070101154018.htm
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