Assalamu Alalikum Below is my comments on the recent Luton Jilbab case. I would appreciate it if you could post this on your email section and forward to the Secretary-General.
I disagree fundamentally with the stance the MCB has taken regarding Shabina Begum. Compromise works both ways. While it is right that we campaign for more rights for Muslims we must also show willingness to compromise and not push things too far. The Islamic dress code demanded by the School was established following consultation with local Muslim representatives. These are practises and approaches which your Organisation has encouraged.
The School showed good faith in accommodating the wishes of Muslims in establishing a dress code, which ensures modesty. Up until now no one complained. Until Ms Begum, decides using taxpayers money that the uniform is not Islamic enough. This is quite pathetic. With Muslims in some European countries being banned from even wearing Hijab we have Muslims here pushing for their own interpretation of what is strictly Islamic. A complete waste of time and money for all concerned. I feel that this issue has more to do with the fact that there are groups that have a chip on their shoulder regarding traditional Pakistani dress and that they feel they need to disassociate themselves from this and adopt a "strict, authentic Islamic dress code. If the court were to rule in favour of Ms Begum then it would surely open a "hornets nest" of similar requests by other pupils to apply for their own specific dress code. And soon the whole system of school uniforms would eventually break down. It is a great pity and terrible indictment of our condition that we are unable to see beyond our own narrow self-interest. Unfortunately, there is now a culture amongst some Muslim girls, who have adopted a militant, defiant "me first" attitude regarding their appearance simply for the sake of being defiant and anti-western and they expect the whole world around them to adjust themselves accordingly. If they are uncomfortable with living here or if attempts by the indigenous culture to accommodate Muslims are not good enough, then I suggest Ms Begum migrate to another country. I am fed up with the Hijab / women's dress issue, as are many other Muslims, and I just wish that we could re-direct our discourse to other more pressing and urgent concerns.
We Muslims have not come out well from this and this is likely to fuel additional loathing of Islam and Muslims amongst non-Muslims. A responsible organisation like yours should have advised that Ms Begum drop her case and resume her education.
Wa Salam