The niqab, fact v fiction

How much do you really know about the niqab? An insider guide to common misconceptions.

.... None of the niqab-wearing women who I know, wear it because they have been forced to. They see it as an act of devotion to their Creator: the culmination of a spiritual journey. In fact most of them are women who were born and brought up in the UK; many are White or Afro-Caribbean Muslim converts to Islam who have chosen to observe it.

The hijab, niqab and abaya are outer garments and are worn only when outdoors or in the presence of men who are not close relatives and so, contrary to popular belief, underneath their robes, in family and female-only settings Muslim women are often very fashion conscious and outgoing. [Times Online] Read more

This post generated over 170 comments the great majority of which were critical. The most popular sentiments were:

Just as it is considered inappropriate for westerners to dress in skimpy outfits in Islamic countries, so it is culturally inappropriate for Muslim women in western countries to cover their faces. It is considered rude and intimidaing for people in western countries not to be able to see the face of who they're talking to, especially if they're unable to even see the eyes. Why does cultural sensitivity only go one way?

…. Covering oneself is not "normal" in my books and reveals an unhealthy mind. However many excuses are presented, it smacks of subjugation. To see the promotion and normalisation of such behaviour in The Times is both surreal and absurd.

…. a Muslim woman, who by wearing a burqa, straight away sends out a message of I do not want anything to do with you. …. surely those from other cultures should also adapt to the cultural sensibilities of the British. If some Muslims reject or are unwilling to adapt to modern British values, why should the rest of society accept their views?

…. The British people are far too tolerant and we get taken advantage of. It's time we looked to the French for some direction and moved to ban the wearing of such garments.