When Is It Acceptable To Wear A Niqab? Essay

If you've just happened on this blog - this is an example of a high school essay for a Standard Grade folio or the final exam. It's not necessarily my opinion and I didn't write it. OK, disclaimer over.

Question -

Discuss a controversial issue. Explain the arguments surrounding the issue and give your own opinion.

In the UK there is a growing trend for Muslim woman to wear the traditional niqab. Many people feel that it has become a symbol of separation. Some people even feel intimidated by it because of it’s relationship with terrorism. I think people should be able to express whatever religion they please in whatever way they want. In this essay I will consider the potential problems for woman wearing the niqab in Britain.

Unlike the hajib (literally “covering up” in Arabic), which covers the head and chest of a woman, the niqab (meaning, “full veil”) almost covers the whole body leaving only a small slot for the eyes. Some western people are startled by the niqab and are attentive to it which is ironic as it’s purpose is to detract attention. In a democracy, people have the right to dress the way they like; despite this, women wearing the niqab are still vulnerable to verbal or even physical abuse. This is the case because many ignorant westerners think that fundamentalist religions all support terrorism.

An argument to oppose the wearing of the niqab in Britain is that, western women may be harassed for not wearing it in Muslim countries. Even native women are forced to cover up. This is a reminder of the continued oppression of women in the middle-east. However in the UK all people, men and women alike, have the right to wear what they want without being oppressed by the rest of the population.

The wearing of the niqab made the national news in recent years, when government minister, Jack Straw publicly stated that he would prefer Muslim women not to wear veils that cover their face. He sparked controversy when he asked women in his Blackburn constituency to uncover their face when visiting his surgery. Some women were insulted, some understood his concerns. This shows that there are a variety of opinions among the Muslim community.

There are certain situations where the niqab should definitely not be allowed, such as walking into a bank. Would a garment such as the niqab be thought of as appropriate? It is illegal to cover your face inside a bank; on the other hand, the woman may feel offended if asked to remove her niqab. It is against human rights not to allow someone to express their religion: however if they were allowed into a bank all sorts of robbers would claim to be Muslims for an excuse to not be seen.

Trying to get a job could be difficult too, as there may be a lack of communication between the woman and her colleague! Also if a teacher were a niqab-wearing Muslim, teaching would be very difficult. The ability to socialise with other teachers and staff would also be impaired.

An argument to approve the wearing of the niqab is that The Koran - Islam’s holy book, treated as the literal word of God - tells Muslims, to dress modestly. For women, that has been interpreted as covering everything except their face, hands and feet when in the presence of men they are not related or married to. Another reason is that some women gain respect from their families and community by ‘choosing’ to wear the garment. Women who genuinely want to wear the niqab may feel that it provides modesty and protects them from staring eyes. This point may be taken very offensively by British men. It reduces them to nothing but animals, unable to control themselves in the presence of a beautiful woman.

To conclude, it is apparent that in the UK the niqab is a symbol of separation. Many frown upon it and are even frightened with it’s association with fundamentalism. Should the niqab be illegal? Personally I think the niqab can only be allowed in certain situations, even although Britain is a free country. My opinion is this because it seems to only cause problems within communities; I also think the situation will only get worse with time. At the end of the day, people have rights but they need to exercise common sense.

My Comment

A fourth year essay for Standard Grade. The writer sets out his opinions clearly and structures the essay in a way that makes sense.