wow, aafke. i’m a teacher, and i wear hijab. i do stand out like a sore thumb a lot of the time, but work with kids all the time, and i don’t think i’ve ever scared one. i’m kinda shocked that so few comments in this dialogue addressed that incredibly harsh, ignorant comment.

i respect your views, dear, but my goodness. keep the fight clean!

You wrote:

“I think you two can develop this re-invention of Islam because you grew up in the west, where you are allowed to think critically and for yourself.”

I dont think Sandy, nor myself, have “re-invented” Islam at all, rather we just have a much more accurate understanding of it than others. I would argue it is the Islamists that have “re-invented” or more correctly, twisted Islam, into something it isnt.

I think the truth is, because we were raised in the West we are able to look at the religion with clear eyes, not tainted by various cultural issues that are the bane of a true understanding of Islam.

I also think, at least my case, having grown up in a scene where I didnt care what others thought of me and where rebellion against “the majority” was seen as a positive trait, I never felt the need to jump on the “holier than thou” band wagon that so many converts do.

Thank God, I always have been and always will be able to, think for myself. It’s a pity there isnt more of this in the Muslim world and that so many Muslims are actually afraid of independent critical thought.

They do flatly condratict the Quran, and many other hadith in which it is clear we are to obey Allah- not our husbands. If Allah really wanted to make that connection equating his requirements with a husbands requirements (and it would seem odd that an All powerful being would do that), he could certainly have done so directly. Anyway, those that want to obey their husbands are certainly free to do so. It’s not a choice I could ever make.

You cannot enter heaven if your husband is not happy with you!!!!

Thanks concerned reader, for providing perfect examples.

I can understand why men like Islam so much…
I have more problems understanding why women like it.
Unless the are masochistic….

There is a hadeeth concerning this issue which was narrated by al-Haakim from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said: I asked the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Who has the most right over a woman?” He said: “Her husband.” I said, “Who has the most right over a man?” He said, “His mother.”