Burqa issue splits Islamic activists

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Thu, 21 Jul 2011 7:00p.m.

A woman in a niqab, an extreme form of burqa

A woman in a niqab, an extreme form of burqa

The burqa issue is back. Should women cover up or not?

That’s just the tip of the iceberg being raised at meetings in Auckland today.

'Sisters in Islam' - a women's activist group from Malaysia - is here raising awareness of gender equality amongst Muslim women.

It says the burqa is a choice, not a religious demand.

At the other end of the spectrum is a group called Global Ikhwan. It's here setting up a branch of the 'Obedient Wives Club'. 

It believes Muslim men can have up to four wives, men and women are not equal, a women should wear the burqa and it's not a religious law - it's a husbands law.

So what are these groups’ thoughts on the burqa?

Mihingarangi Forbes investigates.

Watch the video.

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Comments

30 Jul 2011 12:53a.m.

Information wrote:

Dear Campbell You have interviewed the wrong people. They are trying to represent Islam but according to their own understanding. U tell me honestly, why does a man marries a woman and Vice verser. To share lot of things that are bound in the marriage life and one of it is to share love and Sex between each other. What the HELL IS WRONG if a Muslim Husband and a Mulim Wife have sex with each other.I still don't understand why, why u guys always pick Muslims or Target Muslims by selecting such idiots shown here who have no basic understanding of Islam and just keep confusing all the people watching this show. Tell me what is the intention of this show organisers and those stupid bunch of women, I guess to put more hatred for Muslims.

29 Jul 2011 06:36p.m.

David wrote:

Unfortunately these women who are representing Islam, have deviated from the teachings of their last prophet and the commandments in the Holy Quran. These are the type of people who welcome the world to abuse and accuse the practising women. To be honest they should be kicked out of this country or deported as they have nothing to do their Lives but to become famous by giving such nonsense interviews. I have close practising Muslim friends who are nice, humble and law abiding to this country yet law abiding to the commandments of Allah according to their teachings. These new groups that have emerged here in this discussion with Campbell have no basis but just confusing other non Muslims who want to know why Muslim wear Burka. I totally condemn the women talking non sense here and support those humble practising Muslims for being faithful to their God.God Bless such good Muslims

28 Jul 2011 09:41a.m.

Max wrote:

Well as a Muslim, I see the burqa as nonsense and especially that its bought to western society. It is not a requirement to wear it at all, its a little too much to handle anywhere these days. Its a shame that this happens as Islam was what introduced womans rights and had bought the woman up to become equal to man. We see more of them now because more people are coming over from the gulf. I hope they note this and make changes soon.

27 Jul 2011 04:33p.m.

David wrote:

Here we go again, abusing and accusing Muslims for practicing their religion. Ok so lets turn the coin around, did u find any Muslims accusing the Non Muslims for wearing underwear and walking on the street, or you giving dirty looks at others daughters, wives,sisters and mothers? Basically, thats what you are fighting for, cause the dirty lust that lies inside your criminal minds always curious to look at other female bodies and the dream to use them physically or virtually.Unfortunately, most women who make comments here in favour to undressing other women do not realise how they are fooled by this society who setup such forum and make then feel they are liberated by showing their naked legs and buttocks for others to enjoy and praise them for having such figure. They have forgotten that their parents or Grand Parents were respectful and always dressup appropriately.Unfortunately, this madness has arrived into their lives due to violent movies, Drugs, Alcohol and they are pressured to loose their viginity when they have attain the age of puberty, and if they don't then they are not compatible in this society. SO what is the outcome of this? Children born wothout father, stress that leads to drug addition, suicide and prostitution due to no jobs and qualification. I like Muslim women, they way they cover because this eliminates all of these problems.The signal they give to the men is "Mind your own Business" and I am a woman of Respect and someone's elses Wife, daughter,mother or sister so keep your hands off me

23 Jul 2011 01:59p.m.

underpaid wrote:

Now thats what we need. Wives who do as they are told. The thought of two or three wives doesnt do it for me though,I have enough trouble with one let alone three fighting and bickering and making my life a misery.

22 Jul 2011 09:14p.m.

Paul wrote:

Ohhh yeah, she has really nice eyes. Do ya recon Hubby will mind me looking into them ?? :-)

22 Jul 2011 02:06p.m.

ian wrote:

I believe you are correct Wolfman. I have travelled through the/middle and s/e Asia, and i have seen that it is so.
However as foreigners living in NZ they are required to conform to NZ standards and laws.Where a diference or conflict occurs, they must conceed to the NZ requirements.

22 Jul 2011 12:15p.m.

Greg wrote:

Polygamy seems a attractive religous practice, I note theirs no issues regarding our laws banning that practice.
That will at least solve the eligible man drought issue western women are complaining about.
The Burga' is more about about mens insecurities than a women, though itl save the hubby heaps on makeup, that stuff costs a arm and a leg, and women suppose to be underpaid here.
Burga's are sexy anyway, often imagination is better than reality.

21 Jul 2011 09:34p.m.

Wolfman wrote:

Won't this new club the 'Obedient Wives Club' be against the law in this country, or will the law be changed to help this minority group exist. Just foes to show what respect thes Radicals have for women, and yet the men frequent brothels and it's all ok. Don't believe me, go and watch outside one of these places and see for yourself the majority of Clientel. They are a bunch of Hypocrytes.