wa alaykum salam,
inshaAllah, she will change her ideas once you explain how the Hijab is not something unique to Islam, but also Christianity and Judaism, just the latter have slowly erased it from their religions. But, when religious Christians or Jews wear it, they are not seen as oppressed or strange. They are made out to be pious, righteous and honoured. Infact, in some parts of the Balkans, Orthodox Christians wear something almost similar to the Black chador that is worn in Iran!
The Hijab is the woman's responsibility to wear, and she should do so through her own choice. As long as nobody is forced to do something, than it should be accepted.
Your daughter is judgemental. Why does it make her angry? Its your free choice. . . Does she know the high status Islam puts for women? Perhaps a comparison between the rights Muslim women have, as opposed to the rights Christian or Judaic women were given.
What greater rights did women have than the right to choose their own spouse? The Right to buy/sell their own land? The right to do business and importantly!! Keep the Money!!! - The wife does not have to give her husband her earnings if she doesnt want to. - Is this oppression of women?
There are definately some very ignorant Muslims out there. Just as there are a great number of ignorant and close minded Christian, Jews, Buddhists, Sikhs etc.
However,
- Sure a Muslim can err. Nobody is perfect. However, the difference between the muslims and these other Religions is this:
Islam is perfect. It was revealed to all mankind from God. The Quran is the miracle revealed to all mankind and it shall never change. Not one letter.
There will always be a group of Muslims who will be on the clear guidance. It is not difficult! - Its to base our lives on the Quran and the clear guidance of our beloved Messenger Muhammad
. Our understanding of the rulings of Islam come from these two sources... and if we do not know, we rely on those who are known to be on the truth and have the knowledge. - For example the Companions of the Prophet
, the 2nd generation of Muslims, the reknowned scholars and so on.
Extremism, maltreatment of women, racism, these things do not originate from the true
fundamental teachings of Islam. Rather, these are contrived from various philosophies, political revolutionary ideas and the ignorant not following the ignorant.
So it is important for the non-Muslims to extend their perception of Muslims and to understand what Islam is and what it is not.
They are the ones who have a responsibility to check their facts from the right sources i.e. from Muslims.. Not be lazy and just take Fox News or CNN as their Religious education! -
Travel and see beyond your own horizons, meet with other people who are different and learn about them. This world is a pretty small world! and we need to understand how to live with one another.
Muslims too have an obligation to gain knowledge. True Islamic knowledge based on the Quran and Sunnah. To have correct understanding of the basis of Islam and to acquire this knowledge from the correct sources. To maintain the correct Muslim character by following the Quran and emulating the Prophet
.
There are also examples if we look at the Prophets mentioned in the Quran and their example. Yusuf (joseph), Isa (Jesus), Ibrahim (Abraham), Harun and Musa (Aaron and Moses) are all mentioned. How they spoke to and advised their families and those who were in power at the time. For example, Ibrahim advising his father and Moses advising the Pharoah. We will see a great etiquette and manner in their way.
We as Muslims must also look at and emulate the Companions of the Prophet
.
All these people were the best of creation, they were wise, had the best characters and honourable personalities. The Prophet
is our chief role model. – So there is much for us to aspire too. InshaAllah, may Allah help us.
Furthermore Muslims are obliged to maintain good relations with their family, their neighbours and other communities including non-Muslims. Its our good manners and patience which will help the non-Muslims understand Islam and Muslims.
wasalam
