I live in Jordan and know of many women, including myself, who have severe vitamin D deficiencies. I have it due to wearing hijab — i didn’t have this problem before I wore it. It’s so bad that I’ve deveoped resultant autoimmune and food allergy problems. It’s a pretty blanket statement to claim that ‘there is no problem’ in a huge region… sounds like more effort isbeing put into being defensive rather than logical. Yes, there are many who do have this problem. In my near family alone, four women are taking prescriptions for it. And that added to milk is almost always not enough — just enough to avoid rickets, and too many people are lactose intolerant and avoid milk (and which oil are you talking about? Cod liver oil? It’s not something people normally consume).

There needs to be more thoughtful urban planning so women can go outside with their arms and some leg showing. This is why more women need to enter urban planning, esp. in Muslim countries. Thankfully we have a roof I can go on, but I have to hunker down in a 4×4 space which is the only corner where neighbors can’t see me. Most roofs are visible to neighbors — at least in a hilly region like Jordan.

I came from the States and honestly was very surprised there weren’t designated ‘ladies’ only’ spaces.

Wa salaam

I think there is far far too much of “i think” and “this means to me”. Islam has not come down for you to generalise your own opinions about it. We go the quran, sunnah, the understanding of the scholars etc. Most of the people who have objected to the niqab have mentioned very very weak points based on their own opinions/desires. The niqab is fard according to a huge number of scholars and sahaba(I can provide evidence if anyone needs it).

What I have found very difficult to swallow are sisters saying that they know sisters who wear niqaab and they have difficulties etc etc. Ok so now the west are clamping down on hijabs, beards etc should we stop practicing these things too? subhanaAllah. And what is some hardship for the sake of Allah.

No-one is saying it’s the best thing since sliced bread(this is a very silly way of looking at such a serious issue), but it seems the most correct opinion ISLAMICALLY (not what I think or what YOU think) is that it is FARD!

Sisters saying I don’t think a sister covering her face will get more rewards as oopposed to one who does not cover?? If we say it is fard, she is most certainly getting alot of reward inshaAllah and the one who is leaving it is sinful(unless you genuinely belive, BASED ON EVIDENCE, that it is sunnah and I know of no classical scholar who says it has less status than sunnah)

Please research issues based on islamic evidence, NOT on our whims and desires, our weak opinions etc. Go to the understanding of the scholars.

And already, I have forwarded my question to IslamQA, and it was confirmed that Muslims should never rely on welfare or any type of support by unknown sources or with the help of non-Muslims, Jews, Christians, etc. Again, this is not everybody, but if society were to just accept niqab for what it is, it would not be an issue, probably more Muslim women would be working by choice and be talented. But, since it is not like that, a lot of women are at home (sometimes by choice, and sometimes with the lack of work), and we could somewhat blame this to the ones who degrade niqab and Islam.

I find your dialogue most intriguing for the opportunity to learn of others outside my faith.
I have found, as a man, temptation comes from the inner heart first and not the outward beauty of another.
Also, I find humility and modesty ornaments of grace preferred above physical beauty.
Likewise, I have seen fear in the eyes of my covered Muslim sisters as well as a beautiful warmth of compassion in the eyes of the same. The latter being too virtuous to even think of taking her to advantage.
I having experienced many liberalities of which King James scripture forewarned to avoid I have learned the futility of violating.
Honor follows honor, sin follows sin
My choice of sin is not in the power of the tempter or even mine own eye gate but in my heart, my will. I trust the power of God to grant me the escape unto Him as my refuge. To escape from my own sin, my own self and self-serving ambitions.
I may look upon my Muslim sisters with a virtuous heart covered or uncovered, with honor or dishonor. The choice is in mine own heart and not as they appear to my eye. However any measure to protect virtue is highly commendable and appreciated I say as a sinful man. Our scripture speaks much on the modesty of clothing and the separation of dress for the sexes. To adorn ourselves wtih the grace and beautry of Christ is the goal and to shun the calling of atttention to ourselves in outward adorning. As I look from my heart to the heavens the worldly lures lose their power.
For a man to blame a women’s dress as an excuse for his lust is irresponsible, I served many in the health field of both sexes, young and old. Discovering their nakedness as a craftsmanship of our Creator and a testament to His beauty and workmanship kept my sinful desires at bay. Purposed to serve in honor. Prayer, oh what a wonderful refuge. That most intimate cry to cleave to our Maker for the inner clothing of my soul whether I am naked in the alley of poverty or in the luxurious robe of riches. I wear common clothing to worship as many where their suits. I am there to honor and find honor. My heart thirsts for God with the knees of my soul bent whether my body bows but always I remember my shame the shame of my rebellion against Him and His ways my days of dishonor and foolishness. So then I know righteousness is only in HIm and freely bestowed upon me not by my actions nor my pleading but by HIs freewil for He is the only Righteous One. So, then I trust not mine own righteousness but in the Giver of Righteousness.

Those who dont want to wear niqab & those who want to wear niqab, you all have to reply allah for what you have done on your understanding, therefore be prepared to answer allah without anyone’s assistance,

I don’t think it’s correct to blame the niqaab for this problem, but to say that it’s not a problem is also incorrect.