Ban in public places
Niqab or the face veil should be banned because the person wearing it is able to have a full view of the world without exposing his or her identity (‘Murder sparks debate on niqab and security’, Gulf News, December 4). This amounts to disguising or suppressing ones identity and thus should be banned in all public places. Religious or cultural binding is understandable as long as the identity of the person is not suppressed.
From Ms Agnel
Dubai
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Misused item
If some person misused something, it doesn’t mean there should be a ban on it. For example, if someone misuses medicine as a drug, should we ban that medicine? I am shocked and upset to see this topic being raised and people considering a ban on the niqab because it’s a security threat.
From Ms Nacyr
Dubai
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Cooperate with authorities
Just because one person has used the niqab, a part of the Islamic dress code, to commit a crime, it does not mean that it should be banned. But, in some places of security, women wearing the niqab should cooperate and help the authorities, such as at airports, passport offices or at a mall’s security office.
From Mr Farooq Ahmad Khan
Dubai
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Ensuring the safety
I am surprised and appalled by these people calling for a ban on the niqab. It is a Muslim’s right to wear it or not! Just because of one case, you cannot punish so many people. Find another way to ensure the safety of residents and catch the culprit.
From Mr Ahmad
Dubai
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Hidden identity
I personally do not agree with the niqab as I feel it robs the wearer of their identity; not to mention it is disconcerting not knowing who I am talking to. As I understand from my husband and a great many of my Muslim friends, dress for both men and women should be modest and decent, but the face, hands and feet should be visible. Even the hijab is optional and it is entirely up to women themselves if they wish to wear it or not. The niqab to me is no different to walking into a bank or a shop wearing a balaclava or a motorbike helmet and expecting to be served without the staff wanting to call security. Many readers may not agree with my comment, but where do we draw the line between religious beliefs and national security?
From Ms Sarah Louise
Sharjah
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Not good enough
I agree that banning the veil will not serve any purpose. The killers hardly cover their faces and they are usually known to their victims. We should adhere to our Islamic culture; women cover their faces out of respect and we should respect their choice. This is not a good enough excuse to ban the veil.
From Mr Manny Max
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Security measures
This one incident should not be a basis of banning the niqab. Instead, security measures must be taken to stop such acts of inhumanity, that is to take someone’s life. The accused was clearly hiding behind the niqab to execute such a plan. I hope whoever it is gets punished.
From Mr Hamza
Sharjah
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More effective
If someone has committed a crime while taking cover of Islam, it doesn’t mean that deed should be overthrown just because of some fanatic. What needs to be done is to have the culprit brought to justice and setting an example so no one else would dare to do it again. Even if this law is introduced, what is the guarantee that nothing bad will happen? For security reasons, they can come up with something more effective.
From Mr Mohammad
Dubai
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Not alone
I am not against the face veil. But, for security reasons, the women who wear a face veil should always be accompanied by someone in a public place. The veil shouldn’t be allowed if the person is outdoors alone.
From Mr Mustafa
Dubai
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Accompany them
I agree with Mr Mustafa that if the niqab is compulsory then the woman wearing it should be accompanied by someone in public places and shouldn’t be allowed to go alone. Who knows if the person is a man? He could be in hiding and could even enter the women’s washroom because his face is covered?
From Mr Tommy
Dubai
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Female guard
Islamic scholars should join heads to come up with solutions. If security is an issue, then there should be a female security guard at all mall entrances who should have the legal authority to check who is behind the veil.
From Mr Saif Ur Rahman
Sydney, Australia
Follow the rules
Wearing niqab or not is each individual’s right. But, if it is banned by law then everyone has to follow the rules.
From Mr Mohan
Dubai
A dress code
From what I know, wearing the niqab is compulsory for women for their own security. The Islamic scholars who were quoted in the report said that it’s not mandatory, but they did not provide any academic reference for it. How can anyone think about banning something Islamic in an Islamic country? There is a certain dress code in public and no one has problem with that, but people are all right with banning of the niqab? Seems like they just need a reason to do so.
From Mr Mohammad Bilal
Sharjah
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A misguided view
This is an extremely misguided view of the situation. The culprit escaped because no one stopped her! We need more female security guards at malls, not an illogical ban on the niqab.
From Mr Abbas Teja
Dubai
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Install check points
The niqab should not be banned. But, of course the security of the nation and its people is required, and so at various check points women who wear a niqab could be asked to identify themselves.
From Mr Abdul Raheem
Dubai
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Not related
Wearing a niqab is purely a personal choice of the women who do so. It’s not only an integral part of the Muslim women attire and Islamic culture but also reflects modesty. The religion of Islam encourages wearing of the niqab. Considering any form of compulsion on observing niqab on security grounds is absurd, irrational and a biased idea. Because, wearing a niqab has no relation to breaking the law of the land or committing a crime.
From Mr Mohammad Shakeel Khattak
Dubai
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Lone unfortunate incident
I am a non-Muslim expatriate who has been living in the UAE for the past 12 years. I think it would be unjust to decide against a lone incident that occurred. This country has been trouble free and only those who live or have lived here would agree to it. I feel this is a lone unfortunate incident. My heart goes to the young twins of the victim and may she rest in peace. I am confident that the law agencies that have always cracked such cases in the past would soon deliver justice to the family of the deceased. I am proud to be an expatriate living in the UAE and this lone incident should not deter us to have doubts on the security aspects. We should live life as we have been doing respecting the law and order.
From Mr Tony
Abu Dhabi
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Always visible
Niqab has nothing to do with any religion. It is just a cultural practice. I think everyone’s face should always be visible for others to see.
From Mr Sonic
Dubai
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Increased security
Niqab should be banned for those going to public places, such as malls and shopping centers. It would increase security and help avoid such crimes.
From Ms Huda
UAE
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Responsible citizens
Belief alone cannot bring security and safety to a nation. Therefore, the authorities may come to a decision in banning the niqab. As responsible citizens we are bound to respect the law. This eventually will protect our religion, too. Arguments should be meant only to find a solution.
From Ms Mariakutty
Cochin, India
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