Go! Find some modesty.

April 20th, 2008 by Blue Collar Goddess

Muslim Wedding

Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the required *dress* of females in the Muslim religion, and while I wouldn’t be comfortable covered in head to ankle I’ve posted this video for a couple of reasons — it begins with the bashing of Nike[tm] for creating a clothing line for women of the Muslim faith (makes me remorseful I didn’t think of it first …) and goes on to further “bash” the faith in question.

Not cool. So, let’s just focus on the issue about the clothing, and move on. We’ll involve ourselves with what’s wrong with religion in general some other day — unless you feel utterly compelled to soap box it right here.

While I lean towards a more Buddhist frame of mind myself; I grew up first as a Catholic, then a Mormon.
Modesty in dress was a requirement for everyone in the Mormon traditions, not just women. Nothing see-through. Nothing two inches above the knee and absolutely no bare midriffs. Sleeveless shirts were frowned upon for unmarried young women and men; forbidden for all who had been married in the Temple. I grew up with this thought process and it still holds fast with me today even though I’ve distanced myself from the Church.

My daughter was heading out for a baseball game last night and I stopped her on the way out the door and I said, “No. Uh uh, and NO. You’re not wearing those shorts. Half your arse is hanging out and if you can’t find something more appropriate to wear, you don’t need to go. If you can’t find some self respect on your own, I’ll find it for you.”

She wrinkled her nose at me and began to make some comment and stopped short when she saw my disappointment. I’m far from being a “prude” or even a moral compass, but by gawd, I meant what I said. There is a time and a place for everything — even nudity!

Her brother made a snide remark about putting her in a Hijab and honestly? I wanted to. Briefly.

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55 Comments »

Comment by aussiecynic
2008-04-20 06:41:36

Hey there Rufus
I TOTALLY AGREE..

This past Summer Moppet aged 9years.. needed some new shorts and T-Shirts… growing so fast…. we drove to Launceston to go shopping no kids clothing stores here… 3.5 hour there.. mind you.. we get to K-Mart there was plenty of shorts ranging as you would expect from babies to teens.. so Moppet and I went hunting hubby heads to the Electrical and power tools…. after an hour or so of looking… I finally asked a shop assistant where to find the girls shorts.. she looks at me as if I stupid and says you there here see.. I told her I was looking for shorts not underpants … even the skirts for 2 and 3 year girls would bearly cover there butts… my god…
We finally found some board shorts these went to her knees but it was either have half her butt hanging out or knee length.. a few friend on the mainland went hunting up there for me while they did their shopping and there was not apair of shorts which were remotely suitable for a young girl… either up their bums or so far down the waist they could have been socks…

Like you i am no Prude, christ I painted nudes …. but there is a time and a place and under 18 is not it….
I think there is nothing wrong with a girl dressing in a nice dress which goes to her knees, or jeans and t-shirt etc… but even some of the things they write on them is appauling…. I child does not need to be wearing suggestive clothing with suggestive slogans it is just obscene….. but whats even worse than the kids wearing this crap is the parents who bought it in the first place… and see it as nothing more than fashion….
many women down here wear traditional Indian/ Hindu clothing, we dont have any Muslims down here, but a few Mormans etc…. loads of Christians various doctrines…. and a few Africans, Rowandans, even a buddhist… and we all just shake our heads at the clothing some of these kids are getting around in…

 
Comment by Rufus
2008-04-20 06:54:23

Amen sistah! I can’t stand the slogans they’re coming up with … and part of me thinks I came back in the nic o’ time for my not so wee one. We went hunting for formal gowns today (it’s Prom time) and I kept reminding my girl that it was A FORMAL, not penthouse pet o’ the month season. She has plenty of time to wear slinky black gowns that look as though they’re painted on.
::shakes head::

Rufus’s last blog post..Brave New World

Comment by aussiecynic
2008-04-20 08:33:53

I tell Moppet the same thing…
even promised when the times comes and these are appropriate then I’ll buy it for her….
slinky low cut anything is not nice… crop tops and tank tops… and shorts hiding as knickers just not on…
Prom very exciting for all girls….
penthouse pet of the month…
hehe…
I would have taken her to a costume shop for a cat outfit…. lol…

 
 
Comment by Gareth In China
2008-04-20 07:24:50

Reminds me of the time I visited Jim in Dubai and then went on to Thailand afterwards.
From a country where everyone was totally covered up to another where everyone was naked - I know which one I preferred and it wasn’t the one where they all buzzed around looking like pepper pots.

I guess on kids ‘adult’ clothing is a bit inappropriate, especially given the volume of paedophiles out there (where did they all spring from?) but you can argue you see much more flesh at the beach or swimming pool.

On another tangent, we used to have a slut working at our office in the UK who was always bearing a lot of flesh and to be honest it was a little embarrassing. She wasn’t exactly a prime specimen and the terms ‘clowns pocket’, ‘wizards sleeve’, ‘orange peel’, ‘definitely not semi skimmed’ were often used when describing her. However half the engineers in the office didn’t see women often so tended to dribble a bit when she leaned over desks and so on. I found it rather funny and became a demon shot with ball bearings and elastic bands, mind you her ‘arris wasn’t a small target.

So I guess its horses for courses, depends on age, place and customary norms - plus some women should be covered up to prevent us from making our lunch reappear (crop tops when you are 120kg, I don’t think so love).

Comment by aussiecynic
2008-04-20 08:30:53

Agree..
and mutton dressed as lamb just isnt good no matter where you are….

 
Comment by Empress Nightshade Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-20 15:28:52

Gareth In China wrote: “…plus some women should be covered up to prevent us from making our lunch reappear (crop tops when you are 120kg, I don’t think so love).”

I really, REALLY resent that last comment, GIC. A few years back, such words would have sent me back into my self-loathing shell. Thank goodness I know better now. People should be able to wear what they desire without the snickering, finger pointing and the loosing of lunches. Personally, the clothing I choose reflects my current mood. It is the same for many. So, if a fluffy woman feels sexy on the inside, she has the same right to dress just as those with “acceptable weight” to refect that.

I was raised in a Christian home. Attending services at least three times a week, my life was completely submerged into my mother’s chosen religion. That meant wearing long skirts and never shorts or pants. Anything sleeveless or showing skin was out. Makeup was forbidden as well as any polish on the nails. I hated the word ‘Modest.’ The church would occasionally take us to the roller rink…..How in the world can you rollerskate and fall down in a skirt and still be modest? Cleavage was a no no which is probably why I show so much of it now.

BTW, GIC, if the founders and smellers ever have a gathering, I’ll be sure to bring you a barf bag. :$
Empress Nightshade’s last blog post..People That Perturb - Part 1

Comment by Fertile Fish
2008-04-23 15:52:41

Pity, but have to agree with GIC. Crop tops on overweight are grossly distasteful and illustrate a fatty showing their lack of common sense in not choosing clothing which might help them look good.

You don’t have to be distateful to be fashionable.

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Comment by Empress Nightshade Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-23 18:19:50

Fertile Fish wrote: “You don’t have to be distateful to be fashionable.”

Agreed, FF. But, that goes for ANY shape and form — thin or wide. My point is, what is “grossly distasteful” to you is not the case for all. Why can’t people just be allowed to be who they are freely? It’s just as simple as this…..if you don’t like it, don’t look. Period.

I’m not going to change the order of this post, but I’d like to invite those who are interested in a fat person’s and fat admirer’s point of view to check out this forum called Dimensions Magazine.

http://www.dimensionsmagazine.com/forums

Although I am not very active on the forum now, I was at one time. It was because of this forum that I gain enough confidence to wear short sleeves last summer in public for the first time in many, many years. Again, if you don’t like, don’t look. :)
Empress Nightshade’s last blog post..Zombie’s Halloween - Give Me a Break!

 
 
 
 
Comment by AngryfromEllesmerePort
2008-04-20 10:21:47

I’ve a very young daughter and i cringe when i see some of the things that other parents (strangely mainly from the US) dress their children in. There will be a time when we’ll loose control of what she wears but hopefully she’ll be old enough to realise what is trendy and what’s revealing.
As for the covering up in Islam i thought it wasn’t a requirement, but just a cultural thing - maybe DG or David S can correct me.
What i do find amusing is that a lot of people in this part of the world are outraged when western countries ban the head-scarf or covering of the face - if you wander around the shopping malls of the UAE you’ll see plenty of scarved women in combination with pencil skirts and extremely tight fitting tops. It’s the women that need about 20 yards of black cloth to cover up that i’m in agreement with.
I’m sure that the Nike range of modest clothing manufactured in a Far East sweat shop will go down well in the Gulf - home from home

 
Comment by Jim & Em
2008-04-20 10:32:37

Thanks for this Rufus - we’ve jumped in and posted the video for you (embedded the code) at your post….

We’re upgrading Wordpress at the moment and techy Deep is hopefully fixing it so all founders can post youtube clips at posts and in comments - thanks for your patience…

Just to add a regional context for you - here in the UAE I’ve witnessed topless muslim women on the roof of our appartment, who are normally covered up in National dress - granted at local theme park WILD WADI (water slides galore) they have a women only day and the local ladies often enjoy the rides in local dress….

http://www.wildwadi.com/

Then within .2km down the beach there are scantly clad Eastern European ladies preparing for what appears to be the Eurovision thong contest….

There is a balance, right?

 
Comment by Dubai Guy Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-20 14:00:27

I have seen the video & I prefer to remain silent. What I will do is that i will try to invite a muslim female blogger to comment on this post. I think a lady can better present her point of view on this subject :-)
Dubai Guy’s last blog post..What is Happiness?

Comment by Jim & Em
2008-04-20 15:05:35

That would be great Dubai Guy - the more the merrier here at flowers - the more we can learn first hand - the better!

Flowers and thorns, right?

 
 
Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-20 17:32:50

that would be interesting DG- Just make sure you tell her exactly what to say or it might mean the language of the right hand ‘disciplines’ her into shape.

 
Comment by sara
2008-04-21 09:18:48

Good morning everyone,

This is sara, the “muslim female blogger” :) Oh let me add to this to warn you: I talk to much :P

First off, I’d like to start by saying that it’s amazing seeing people talking decently over here while trying to understand each other’s differences heartily.. I’m used to people screaming & saying all harsh things here in the internet since they don’t have to “see” each other.. I’m definitely in for smelling the flowers (f) :)

Secondly, I believe that talking about “hijab” will last forever & not a nation will pass by without discussing our outer garments & checking out their meaning & what they stand for..

I believe that God Has sent us here to love one another & know one another.. He Says: “O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.” Qur’an 49:13

So the only difference between me, him, her, you & them is something unseen, it’s the righteousness.. Now that is something that can never be judged by any other than God; for it’s a hearty matter & not a seen one.. So it’s amazing that you guys don’t judge people, but rather, try to UNDERSTAND :)

Now in Islam, it’s compulsory (as you know) for one to cover up when they reach their maturity age.. For girls, we have to only show our faces & hands.. For us, it’s like a blossoming day.. I personally remember when I went out in my hijab for the first time, I felt like that pretty untouched flower.. I’m blooming & right in the peak of this beautiful flowering, I’m covering my most beautiful “materialistic” appearance for only one person: my future husband :) No man can touch, see, enjoy or even get a glimpse of what lies beneath, except one person.. My love.. My man.. The only man who’ll taste my nectar.. You get to feel like the princess you hear about in the fairy tales, except for the fact that it is true; no one dares come near her..

I, like many of you, heard of men whom have killed their daughters for not wearing hijab! That, for me, is as bizarre as it is for you! I’ve never heard that the prophet (peace & blessings be upon him & all other prophets) asked us to kill our women for not wearing it or for not covering up! It’s an obligation & a line that God has drawn for us to know where we stand.. I feel blessed (I’m being honest here & not showing off) for having this as an obligation.. Nothing that God Has prescribed for us that didn’t make sense to me.. It all has it’s own good FOR US, I believe..

Wearing hijab is nothing but an outer protection for the women from the unwanted dirty looks (I’ve learned that scientifically, men enjoy by their seeing sense, BIG TIME).. But still, there is this more important guard that many underestimate.. It’s the inner guard that you see most women now letting go off.. You see her covered up while letting all her guards down.. You see her flirting & not knowing nothing about self respect & wearing this ‘hijab’ just as an attempt of looking ‘decent’ while ruining every meaning of decency..

Yes it is an obligatory act in Islam, but no it’s not to be murdered for if not fulfilled.. Eventually, it’s all between one & his/her God & we’ll be aaaaaaaaall asked INDIVIDUALLY for our very own doings..

Everyone struggles in this life in his/her very personal approach.. Some pass the test & some don’t.. I pray we all here love each other for God’s sake & try to accept our differences & respect one another as we wish to be respected..

And as a Muslim sara, I’d like to say that no, I’m not oppressed, I love my body.. I’m not bald, I do have hair (there was this guy in high school who thought I was bald :D hehe) & I’m glad men don’t look at my body, but rather my intellectual form..

Thank you guys for letting me share my heart out here.. And thank you DG for inviting me to smell the flowers with you..

Let’s share the beauty around us.. And hey, it’s a full moon tonight :)

Have a blessed, happy, flowery & fruitful day everyone!

Respectfully,

sara (f)
sara’s last blog post..“Girls are crazy !!”

Comment by Dubai Guy Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-21 18:15:31

Wow Sara, that was a very detailed reply from your side. MashAllah I am impressed. Thanks for accepting my invitation & also thanks alot for your effort in explaining your point of view :-)

Flower smellers, where are you? No one has commented on what she said. Do you guys agree or disagree with what sara said? :-)
Dubai Guy’s last blog post..What is Happiness?

Comment by sara
2008-04-22 08:09:48

That was long, promise won’t do it again!

Thanks for inviting me again DG!

sara’s last blog post..“Girls are crazy !!”

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Comment by GarethinChina
2008-04-21 18:35:20

Hi Sara and welcome to GSTF.
I can’t dispute anything you’ve posted as you make your points quite well, certainly you feel strongly about it and have a lot of faith in your convictions and in, well, your faith.
I personally think its a shame to lock away beauty. One of the highlights of a day can be seeing somebody who is better than the average. I guess your point about some guys being leering lechers is valid but I wouldn’t want to lock things away just because of the few. To me its kind of like kids having intellect but playing dumb to fit in as some in the UK do.
Interesting read from the perspective many of us never hear though.

GarethinChina’s last blog post..Go On! Give us a gander!

Comment by sara
2008-04-22 08:12:40

I wouldn’t like calling it “locking away my beauty”, but rather saving it & not letting it affect my life.. DO you see women staring at men’s legs? :D

It’s just that we are created differently.. Men & women.. Each has their role.. And i think & fully heartly believe that women are to save that & use it the right way..

Thanks for welcoming me.. this was a nice ride :)

(f)
sara’s last blog post..“Girls are crazy !!”

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Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-21 18:42:11

Welcome Sara

a question if I may.

Why do you feel the need to objectify your beauty to serve your man? Does he do the same for you? Or is it just a control mechanism for him to keep you all for himself. A form of ownership and control. Rather like religion in general but particularly from such a young religion as Islam.

Another question- if you decided you didn’t want to wear a hijab and your hubby insisted would you bow to his wishes or would you do what you felt was correct?

And finally.

A 9 year old marrying a consumating with a 54 year old is wrong correct?

All questions are asked in a respectful manner- I am just interested in your opinions. I am not religious at all. But I am comfortable in my atheism as you are in your belief.

Comment by sara
2008-04-22 08:24:07

Thanks UP,

Well, let me answer your questions as much as I can..

And I’d liek to remind you guys that bu God, my intention in writing you is merely sharing my very inner beliefs that I dearly hold in my heart.. Not forcing ideas or hating opposers.. Just sharing :)

Now, let me answer you UP:

As for your first question, I think (& have personally seen the results of not covering what we’re asked to cover) that it’s a beautiful thing to do.. “the untouched flower again”.. You know, girls are sensetive, & this materialistic simple wrap up helps in wraping the “inner fragile us”.. We are made of Adam’s rib I believe.. & Adam is made of clay.. So basically Adam deals with harsher issues, we on the other hand deal with Adam & his offspring.. In doing so, we need some guidelines.. And this, I believe, is one of the man others.. And now, of course ADAM SHOULD & IS ASKED TO guard himself & his instincts until he meets me (if you know what I mean).. It’s not like I’m covering up acting modest & he plays around & then has me.. That’s common by the way.. BUT THAT’S NOT HOW IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE.. HE’S SUPPOSED TO “STAY CLEAN” JUST LIKE I DO.. But of course in a different way..

As to your second question, I can’t answer it as I don’t think I’d ever stand in God’s Commandments way! I would never listen to a human if he/she asks me to do something wrong.. But something right?

And finally, I don’t understand the question & its relation to our topic! LOL

(sorry for the lengthy reply! :$ )

sara’s last blog post..“Girls are crazy !!”

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Comment by sara
2008-04-22 08:28:53

Typos (sorry):
like*
by* God
is one of the many* others

sara’s last blog post..“Girls are crazy !!”

Comment by Jim & Em
2008-04-22 09:43:27

Hi Sara,

A HUGE welcome to GO! Smell the flowers and a massive thanks to Dubai Guy for inviting you on…

We’ve stood back and watched this one as you’ve handled the flowers and the thorns so well!

May your association with GO! Smell the flowers be a long and fruitful one and our aim is to inspire others, learn from others and you clearly have a passion for writing which we have the pleasure of reading.

Awesome stuff - - welcome!

 
Comment by aussiecynic
2008-04-22 10:38:26

Welcome Sara..
Your insight is a very interesting one…
I for one happen to like the hijab and think If a woman wishes to wear it then no problem here… each to there own.. its much the same as an Idian woman wears a Sari etc…

The points you raise a valid, and in this topic well justifies… having a daughter aged nine I hate seeing her friends wearing the revealing clothing inappropriate to atheir age…. the hijab removes that options… so in this respect is a good thing…

There has been many confusing moments on flowers in regards to the various aspects of Islam… and although not of this faith … some of things we have and are learning are varied to the normal that we see on TV and extremist retoric we endure…
It is refreshing to hear your views on your faith as it is with DG..
WEll done and welcome…
hope to see you around here often

aussiecynic’s last blog post..Crikeys Mate!

Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-22 12:01:42

Sara you REALLY believe you are made out of Adams rib?

thats brilliant. and hilarious. and completely founded in superstition

my third question is a general question regarding Islam. Every muslim I know avoids answering it. Every one.

Why?

Because its morally repugnant.

 
Comment by Dubai Guy Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-23 13:29:18

Morally repungant? What in your majesty’s opinion is morally acceptable? By the away, I guess my first post here was exactly on this topic. But it seems you just want to argue just for the sake of arguement !!

Btw, please excuse my curiousity but how old are you? ;-)
Dubai Guy’s last blog post..What is Happiness?

 
Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-23 14:13:33

So if you had a 9 year old kid you would believe it acceptable for her to consumate a marriage with a 54 year old man?

yes or no will suffice.

 
Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-23 14:18:25

35

so old enough not to believe in fairies or superstition. unlike yourself.

 
Comment by Jim & Em
2008-04-23 15:05:25

Can we leave the ‘making it personal’ please Urban Pagan??

This will only push people away from GO! Smell the flowers.

On topic in a constructive way would be most appreciated by us all.

OK?

 
Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-23 15:43:00

same goes to dubai guy with his insinuation regarding my age then?

I reckon not eh!

And the clairvoyant for his personal go at me.

thought not.

bottom line DG is big enough and ugly enough to stand up for himself?

 
Comment by Dubai Guy Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-23 21:47:44

You look so cute when you complain UP ;-)

Mate, you think you know everything. Well thats the impression you give. Do you really think that you are right & every one else is wrong?

My dad used to say, your respect is in your hand. Respect others & they give you double the respect. But if you taunt them & want to argue just for the sake of arguement, what do you expect in return?

Dubai Guy’s last blog post..What is Happiness?

 
Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-23 23:21:18

on the issue of unproven nonsense like religion and psychic powers I see no proof and both are easy to refute with proponents failing to come back with anything resembling a reasoned aguement. So in that respect I believe I am right.

However I am not right on everything. For example I thought you would respond with some semblance of philosophical debate an actually answer questions about your faith. On that issue I was completely wrong as you failed to do either.

 
Comment by Dubai Guy Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-24 06:26:14

Lol @ unproven nonsense. Strange are the ways of human beings, they think their few hundred gram brain is capable of knowing everything. When a person travels by a plane & looks down from the window while the plane is in air, he realizes how insignificant he is. Son of Adam indeed is rebellious.

Debates are good only where both parties are willing to listen, not where one party tries to impose its belief on the other. I received this forwarded email story, allow me to share with you here:

“Once a cutomer went to barber to get a haircut. During the haircut he began to converse with the barber and he said, ‘you know what.. i dont believe in God. If there was a God then why is there so much evil and suffering and poverty around the world, there cannot be a God!’ The Barber decided it was best not to reply and so continued with the haricut. After it was finished, the customer paid the Barber and left the Salon.

Five minutes later, the customer returned and said to the barber, ‘you know what… barbers dont exist!’ The Barber replied,’What do you mean barbers don’t exist, I’m a barber!’ The customer replied,
‘ If barbers exist then why is there a man outside who is really dirty and hairy with hair up to his mid back and a really unclean,long beard?’

The Barber replied,’ Just because there is a man outside who is really hairy and scruffy with dirty hair and beard doesn’t mean barbers don’t exist. He didn’t come to me so how can I help him?’

Similarly, just because there is poverty and suffering around the world doesn’t mean that God doesn’t exist, if they don’t turn to Him then how do they expect God to help them?”

Whats your opinion on this?

Dubai Guy’s last blog post..What is Happiness?

 
Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-24 12:06:19

Its a ludicrous comparison

you know the barber exists as you have seen him first hand, witnessed his work and can talk to him.

with god you can’t.

and as for ‘man’ being fallible.

your prophet was a man. correct?

so couldn’t god be bothered to communicate directly.

again if the word of your god is unalterable why do suni’s sufi’s and shia’s kill each other over it?

serious question.

again DG you avoid questions like the plague.

how relevant and accurate do you think the self proclaimed words of a man who died in about 684 ad and whose koran was only really accurately written down - and then massively dsagreed on about 200 years later is?

feel free to avoid the questions I pose as per usual.

 
Comment by Dubai Guy Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-24 13:55:37

Okay, another story for you, although I must warn you that it is very long. I am not sure about the authenticity of the previous one but this one is true. Btw, this debate is as old as the humanity itself. There were always people who questioned the existence of God. Here you go:

Long ago in the city of Baghdad, there was a Muslim empire. On one side of the River Tigris were the royal palaces and on the other side was the city. The Muslims were gathered in the Royal Palace when an athiest approached them. He said to them, ‘ I don’t believe in God, there cannot be a God, you cannot hear Him or see Him, you’re wasting your time! Bring me your best debator and I will debate this issue with him.’ The best debator at the time was Abu Hanifah. A messenger from amongst the Muslims was sent over the River Tigris to the city, where Abu Hanifah was, in order to tell him about the athiest who was awaiting him. On crossing the River Tigris, the messenger conveyed the message to Abu Hanifah saying, ‘ Oh Abu Hanifah, an athiest is waiting for you, to debate you, please come!’ Abu Hanifah told the messeneger that he would be on his way.

The messenger went over the River Tigris once again and to the Royal Palaces, where everyone including the athiest awaited the arrival of Abu Hanifah. It was sunset at the time and one hour had passed, but Abu Hanifah still hadn’t arrived. Another hour had passed, but still there was no sign of him. The Muslims started to become tense and worried about his late arrival. They did not want the athiest to think that they were too scared to debate him, yet they did not want to take up the challenge themselves as Abu Hanifah was the best of Debators from amongst the Muslims. Another hour passed, and suddenly the athiest started laughing and said, ‘ Your best debator is too scared! He knows he’s wrong, he is too frightened to come and debate with me. I gurantee he will not turn up today.’

The Muslims increased in apprehension and eventually it had passed midnight, and the athiest had a smile on his face. The clock ticked on, and finally Abu Hanifah had arrived. The Muslims inquired about his lateness and remarked, ‘Oh Abu Hanifah, a messenger sent for you hours ago, and you arrive now, explain your lateness to us.’

Abu Hanifah apologises for his lateness and begins to explain, while the atheist listens to his story:

‘Once the messenger delivered the message to me, I began to make my way to the River Tigris, and on reaching the river bank I realised there was no boat, in order to cross the river. It was getting dark, and I looked around, there was no boat anywhere nor was there a navigator or a sailor in order for me to cross the river to get to the Royal Palaces. I continued to look around for a boat, as I did not want the athiest to think I was running away and did not want to debate with him. I was standing on the river bank looking for a navigator or a boat when something caught my attention in the middle of the river. I looked forward, and to my amazement I saw planks of wood rising to the surface from the sea bed. I was shocked, amazed, I couldn’t believe what I saw seeing. Ready made planks of wood were rising up to the surface and joining together. They were all the same width and length, I was astounded at what I saw.

I continued to look into the middle of the river, and then I saw nails coming up from the sea floor. They positioned themselves onto the boat and held the planks together, without them being banged. I stood in amazemnt and thought to myself, ‘Oh God, how can this happen, planks of wood rising to the surface by itself, and then nails positioning themselves onto the boat without being banged?’ I could not undertsand what was happening before my eyes.’

The athiest meanwhile was listening with a smile on his face. Abu Hanifah continued,

‘ I was still standing on the river bank watching these planks of wood join together with nails. I could see water seeping through the gaps in the wood, and suddenly I saw a sealer appear from the river and it began sealing the gaps without someone having poured it, again I thought, ‘Oh God, how is this possible, how can sealer appear and seal the gaps without someone having poured it, and nails appear without someone having banged them.’ I looked closer and I could see a boat forming before my eyes, I stood in amazement and was filled with shock. All of a sudden a sail appeared and I though to myself, ‘How is this happening, a boat has appeared before my eyes by itself, planks of wood, nails, sealer and now a sail, but how can I use this boat in order to cross the river to the Royal Palaces?’ I stood staring in wonderment and suddenly the boat began to move. It came towards me against the current. It stood floating beside me while I was on the river bank, as if telling me to embark onto it. I went on the boat and yet again it began to move. There was no navigator or sailor on the boat, and the boat began to travel towards the direction of the royal palaces, without anyone having programmed it as to where to go. I could not understand what was happening, and how this boat had formed and was taking me to my destination against the flow of water. The boat eventually reached the other side of the River Tigris and I disembarked. I turned around and the boat had disappeared, and that is why I am late.’

At this moment, the athiest brust out laughing and remarked, ‘ Oh Abu Hanifah, I heard that you were the best debator from amongst the Muslims, I heard that you were the wisest, the most knowledgable from amongst your people. From seeing you today, I can say that you show none of these qulities. You speak of a boat appearing from nowhere, without someone having built it. Nails positioning themselves without someone having banged them, sealer being poured without someone having poured it, and the boat taking you to your destination without a navigator against the tide, your taking childish, your talking rediculous, I swear I do not belive a word of it!’

Abu Hanifah turned to the athiest and replied, ‘You don’t belive a word of it? You dont believe that nails can appear by themselves? You dont belive sealer can be poured by itself? You dont believe that a boat can move without a navigator, hence you don’t belive that a boat can appear without a boat maker?’

The athiest remarked defiantly, ‘Yes I dont belive a word of it!’

Abu Hanifah replied, ‘If you cannot believe that a boat came without a boat maker, than this is only a boat, how can you belive that the whole world, the universe, the stars, the oceans, and the planets came without a creator?

The athiest astonished at his reply got up and fled.

Dubai Guy’s last blog post..What is Happiness?

 
Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-24 14:10:48

erm its not a true story at all. its a story.

I’ll happily refute this as this has been used by pro-religious people in its various forms for many moons.

the bottom line is this

a boat did not simply appear fully built.

it took many years of man evolving how it would be built. many many different designs. many many attempts sank. many people drowned. however eventually after many many many attempts a boat was built. the thing is the materials for a boat were not just lying around and waiting to be put together- they were sourced out of availability and neccessity. the boat as outlined could still be sank couldn’t it? its not part of any intelligent design its part of an ever evolving process. over time the best ideas are used and the bad ones are thrown away.

unless you are telling me that god created whole boat in one piece. he didn’t did he. it took years. in fact boat building like human evolution is still advancing and evolving. and will continue to do so.

now if god created everything perfectly he didn’t do a very good job did he.

look at the human eye for starters…..

it is built upside down and backwards.

( I am simplifying but this is fact)

why is this so?

because it evolved over millions of years and was never perfect to start with but merely adapted to suit its surrounding and needs.

finally- if we have one creator. he’s not very good at it is he. that why people are born crippled, diseased, blind, handicapped.

or did god just have a day off then?

 
 
 
 
 
Comment by Rufus
2008-04-25 16:35:59

Sadly, I’ve got to remind myself to “subscribe” to comments — I didn’t realize any more had been made with regards to this post. I’m going to start here — I haven’t read down yet.
That being said, I am so touched, moved really, by the beauty and the spirit I’ve felt in the words given by Sara.
Thank you DB for inviting such a lovely person to share.

This may be a little like comparing pebbles to mountains, but having been raised in a Mormon household from the time I was 12 to 18, we had to field questions about “The Mormon Underwear”. I felt a small kinship in what Sara said,
“Secondly, I believe that talking about “hijab” will last forever & not a nation will pass by without discussing our outer garments & checking out their meaning & what they stand for..”
Because Mormons (the real deal, not the off shoots and weird sects that tend to happen with religious movements) are required to wear a “garment” under their clothing as a sign of love and obediance to God after they have been married in the temple or taken the vows given to missionaries. It dictates what type of clothing is worn OVER this garment and thus promotes modesty as well. There are other sacred reasons, but these are better left alone for THIS discussion.

My heartfelt thanks again for such a moving testimony by Sara.

Rufus’s last blog post..I’m not ph**ked up, I’m just complicated.

 
Comment by Nur Sarah Lam
2008-05-12 08:17:47

Hi Sara,

On the contrary my Name is SARAH (As in Nur Sarah Lam) and I am just like you. I am a Muslim young adult but I wasn’t born a Muslim. I was born a Chinese Buddhist. Today I am Chinese Muslim. I do not like to expose my skin too much but at home I don’t mind to bare it all..hahaha..but one thing for sure that many Muslims are not ‘Muslims’ I mean they might be Muslim stating in their IC but I don’t see any more resemblance of Muslim in them and I wonder why..

:-)

Would be glad to hear from you..

Nur Sarah Lam’s last blog post..The Story of Stuff

 
 
Comment by Margaret Howe
2008-04-21 23:56:47

It isn’t just Islam that has prohibitions about attire. There are a lot of Christian sects that believe women should wear their hair or clothing just so. Once thing I noticed recently was the modest swimwear trend. As you can see- it isn’t just about muslims.
http://stylecommander.com/2008/03/14/the-modest-swimwear-trend

Comment by aussiecynic
2008-04-22 10:40:44

G’DAay Margaret..
And you are very correct, the quakers and many christian orders have similar ideas about womens clothing….
thankyou for raising it.. I think it is that islam is perceived as oppressive in its ways….
that give this momentum…
still looking into that one…
Welcome

aussiecynic’s last blog post..Crikeys Mate!

 
Comment by Jim & Em
2008-04-22 14:03:21

Thanks Margaret and welcome to the garden!

 
 
Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-22 12:03:38

I agree Margaret

all religions are equally backward not just Islam. They are all founded on a series of tribal tales that are neither accurate, backed up or based on anything other than promoting an ideology that suited its political purpose at the time.

More on this later.

But re Islam if the Prophets word is unanswderable why do Islamic sects misinterpret and kill over it.

Comment by Canton Kate
2008-04-22 16:02:03

Why do the Jews and catholic priests / pope wear skull caps? The same reason as Muslims cover their heads.

 
Comment by Dubai Guy Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-23 13:33:24

“all religions are equally backward not just Islam. They are all founded on a series of tribal tales that are neither accurate, backed up or based on anything other than promoting an ideology that suited its political purpose at the time”

Just like the religion of “democracy” & “freedom”, right?

Dubai Guy’s last blog post..What is Happiness?

Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-23 14:16:23

democracy and freedom are not religions.

they don’t insist we believe tribal tales which are wholly inaccurate, they don’t believe in blood sacrifice and they aren’t used as doctrines to build up self hate and control.

and please feel free to tell me the statement you highlighted is not correct.

as an aside- if the word of the prophet is unanswerable then why do sunni’s, shia’s and sufi’s all disagree on it enough to kill each other? is this what god wanted?

its a farce.

I will happily debate this with you. its not just islam I disagree with its all religions.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
Comment by Dubai Guy Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-23 21:50:36

Democracy & freedom are no religions, but dont you think they are using the same approaches to “covert” people?

They say islam spread by sword, and everyone knows how true that statement is. But is democracy & freedom not being forced using missiles & bombs today?

Dubai Guy’s last blog post..What is Happiness?

Comment by Urban Pagan
2008-04-23 23:24:37

The war in the middle east is not in my name nor in the name of true democracy or freedom. Its imperialist filth used to try to control oil and thus trade. As I say its not in my name.

But freedom of expression and communication is the sign of a healthy rationale society. And every religion for its own reasons chooses to repress that and control people.

Comment by Dubai Guy Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-24 06:34:30

It is not your war bu