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09/08/07, Letter to the Editor, printed in Hartford Advocate
Women and Islam
While I appreciate [Jennifer Abel's] enthusiasm in writing about [her] experience at the Mosque ["Culture Clash," Aug. 2], I encourage [her] to explore the concept of Purdah as well. Men are encouraged to respect women with a high degree of honor. In the East, when a person respects another a great deal, they usually look down or away when speaking to that person, out of that respect. This is opposite to cultural habits of the West where respect is shown by looking at someone directly in the eye. Rest assured, the people of that Mosque did not mean any disrespect. Rather, they were honoring [the writer] in a way that I fully admit, may seem strange. I apologize that [she was] made to feel uncomfortable and I would encourage [her] to continue to come to the mosque as making [her] uncomfortable would certainly not have been their intent. More than likely, it seems that some degree of a misunderstanding took place through no fault of anyone in particular. I am sure they too will express their sorrow that they put [her] in a seemingly compromising position.
As far as the role of women, I again assure you, it is not restricted to that of a wife, daughter, or mother. By looking at the very wives of the Holy Prophet (saw) this is found to be an unfounded claim. Hazrat Khadija(rz), his first wife, was a wealthy business owner, much respected by all Muslims alike. She was also the first person to accept Islam. Hazrat Ayesha (rz) is recognized as one of the greatest scholars of Islamic history. Her abilities to teach and provide guidance to the Muslim Ummah have been crucial to understanding Islam from a historical as well as theological standpoint. Islam gives women the right to hold political office, become a scientist, a doctor, a journalist ..., and yes, even a housewife, mother, and daughter. If historical examples are not enough, here is a modern example. I am a Muslim and my own fiance is completing her PhD in economics. Perhaps she will work for a university, perhaps for the UN, or perhaps for a major corporation. Perhaps she will become [a colleague] in journalism! The point is, Islam clearly gives her that choice.
Qasim Rashid
Chicago, Illinois
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