Thursday, May 20, 2010

Region, not the religion

What religion has to do anything with face covering burqa? The answer is no; however it would be appropriate to examine the religious claim about burqa. I think burqa has deep routes in climatic conditions of the region and certainly not the religion. The climatic conditions in many parts in the world require covering the face, especially ear, nose and eyes the most delicate senses of human body. In Arab world terrible type of cyclone hit the vast sandy lands all over the countries and people who are traveling on the back of camel needs. It must have been sudden necessity of completely cover the face; or rather protect the nose, eyes and ears the main portion of face against the wind. This might have shaped the practice and Koranick schools were prompt to link this practice with religion. In fact no Koranic version prescribes the wearing of the burqa.

The burqa practice has many more dimensions: reducing sensuality in women is also one. Because of this newly found dimension, the Koranic schools are more enthusiastic to enforce the burqa system. In fact, in sandy area of Rajasthan in India similar situation exists. Poor people cannot afford to travel in AC cars. They travel on the back of camel and need ear, nose and eyes to be covered in case of sudden outbreak of cyclone. The cyclone brings heavy wind and sand and visibility in the atmosphere drops down very fast. Head- gear or burqa provides some sort of protections to sensitive organs.

Recently I found in many cities many office going young girls, who ride on motor cycle make use of the dupattas to cover their face against the scorching sun and hot air. Only eye portion kept open, off course! No one has forced them to do that. 100 years back it was custom for Marathi women to cover their head. The point of dignity was in question; therefore, it was difficult for them to jettison this practice. During thirties sudden change in head cover practice was seen offing. Now with the mercury hitting 45-47 Celsius in many cities of Maharashtra the new form of head and face covering is coming back. The face is covered with dupattas in such a way that identification becomes difficult. The intention is very clear: save the skin from scorching sun and carbonized dust.; however this is not the case in Europe. Despite the fact that the burqa or any type of face covering or head gear is not needed in many countries Muslim organizations are making outcry about banning the burqa. With the increased terrorism around the world, if the suspect is ordered to remove the burqa the authorities are accused of meddling in the religious practices. If European countries planning some sort of legislative arm help policing it should be welcome.

Religious fanatic always make use of such social changes whenever that suits their intension and arguments. Some self-styled community heads uphold this practice as a thumb rule. They also make such rules binding to all. These so-called rules are some times deemed supreme to the parliamentary law. Many communities including some upper castes still maintain the practice of burqa. It is sort of rule and no one has guts to challenge the mukhias. It is no secret about anti social elements including the terrorist groups taking the advantage of burqa practice for concealing the identity. If many European are worried with this stance, they are not wrong entirely.

-Ramesh Zawar

Senior Journalist

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