Raheel Raza, a Pakistan-Canadian Muslim journalist – turned activist, believes that Muslim women across the country shouldn’t be allowed to wear any religious symbols outdoors, because it symbolizes the oppressive nature women in the Middle East are facing from groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
“Religious neutrality towards everyone would be a good thing. You do whatever you want privately with your religion. You worship any way you want. It doesn’t bother me. You can stand on your head. It doesn’t bother me. But in the public, we need to be first Canadian citizens, and then everything else.” Raza said.
But for many women like Aima Warriach, stripping their covering would be like stripping their identity. But for Raza, that idea is absurd and unhealthy.
“This is Canada. It’s not the Islamic Republic of Canada. This is Canada, which I hope they understand, that it’s a secular country and that they would have religious neutrality. “Raza said.
Raza also addressed the argument about whether or not the ban would violate Muslim womens religious freedoms.
What the Quran actually says about head coverings
“And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts, and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty save to their husbands, or to their fathers….”
Raza’s Personal experience
Apart from the Quran not explicitly saying anything about head coverings, for Raza the issue about covering your face is personal.
According to a survey conducted by Global News, 68% of Canadians would stand with Raza in support of a nation-wide ban on all religious symbols.
Click here to watch the full interview with Raheel Raza, and here to watch the full interview with Amia Warriach.
By Niza Nondo
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