Editor, The News:
Re: ‘Niqab has no place here’ (The News, Oct. 16).
I’m very irritated with your article on the niqab.
If we are to discuss whether the niqab should be accepted in Canada, we should only be listening to women of Islam.
Many Muslim women are against the niqab, just as many support the choice to wear it.
If we are to read a debate about this, it should be from the women who are actually affected by it.
Ahmed Yousef, though educated with a PhD, sounded ignorant and childish by speaking over Muslim women and comparing them to ninjas. Yes, you mentioned two Maple Ridge women, but they weren’t the focus of this article.
I feel like this article was cherry-picking a Muslim man to encourage discrimination and prejudice towards hijabi women.
Hijabi isn’t about ‘hiding your curves.’
It’s about strengthening your relationship with God, and dedicating your energy to doing God’s work.
Hijabi can be the head scarf (hijab) or niqab (face covering), or neither.
It’s about attitudes, disposition, and how you direct your efforts. Most importantly, it is about a woman’s choice.
You grazed this, but didn’t make the focus of the article on Muslim women’s opinions. And for that, I’m disappointed.
Julia Gulia
Maple Ridge
Bravo
Editor, The News:
Re: ‘Niqab has no place here’ (The News, Oct. 16).
The article by Phil Melnychuk about a student here from Cairo succinctly summed up the niqab issue.
It is very informative, especially for those who are unsure of their opinion on it. I highly recommend you read it if you haven’t already.
Again, bravo to The News and Mr. Melnychuk
Catherine A. Bell
Maple Ridge