Originally posted by: E-friend
You should perhaps not bring in your personal opinion when it comes to a topic as sensitive as Religion.
Like someone has rightly pointed out, Culture and religion are two very different things, they are poles apart but people like yourself generally tend to get confused in the definition.
If Muslims tried to copy Arab Culturally, they would copy their language, their food etc. Wearing a Hijab is not trying to be a wannabe Arab. It is part of the religion, just like not drinking alcohol, doing Ramadhan, Praying to Allah.
As far as your saying about Oil Wealth in Arab/Middle East it has nothing else to it - Well let me tell you that as a British Citizen, majority of people i talk to in my life, each and every one desires to work in Middle East because it has a lot to offer. Especially Cities like Dubai if people can they will leave in a heart beat because it is that attractive. I am not sure which part of the world you are from, but more than UK or India, Middle East is definitely an attractive source for Millions of people, myself included for various reasons.
Also leave aside perfect society - Name me a perfect society? Not one exists anywhere.
My observation through years of exposure and talking with people of all walks of life and through various reading materials as well as personal experiences. Please don't discount anyone and everyone who is not Muslim. Sure not every muslim speaks Arabic, but it is revered throughout the muslim world. There is no denying. There was even an article accompanying a picture of arabic writing on the walls in Bangladesh to deter people from peeing. Funnily enough, Bengali warnings did not work, yet Arabic which is not understood by majority of the people of Bangladesh is revered to that extent of authority. People of these countries do look to Arab culture more and more and there is just as much confusion between culture and religion within the muslim world as there is outside. Egypt with its pyramids and own culture is slowly becoming indistinguishable from Saudia Arabia (minus the oil money) in the mentality of people.
And I don't think one needs to be sensitive when speaking about religion. Specially not in this age and time. Islam, like all religion, is an idea. Ideas are not immune from criticism but I don't want to open up that can of worms. As for your generalization of everyone dying to go to Middle Eastern countries- I will say it is just that- a gross generalization. Although you are right in the aspect that people love to go where there is money. Dubai is a beautiful city no doubt. I wouldn't give up the comfort and beauty of living in a place where people are free to believe in whatever or whoever they want be it Allah, Jesus, Krishna, Moses, or the Spaghetti Monster for all the money in the world. Nor the freedom to feel the wind in my hair. Sure no society is perfect, but IN MY OPINION (in cap so it's made distinctively clear) the middle East is way off the mark. We will never attain perfection but progress should not stop either.
By the way, the hijab was worn way before islam was created. It was a cultural practiced for centuries, especially in the Arab world before Islam incorporated it into its religion. There are many things in the quran that are not practiced. I find that most doctrines put way too much emphasize on women. Sure there are restrictions for both sexes but the enforcement is usually more geared towards the female gender. I can definitely see a double standard and I'm not just basing it on mere speculation. A lot of it has to do with emulating the patriarchal Arab mentality and gearing to be more and more like them. Mind you, most people take up things that convenience them. Restricting women- not inconvenient so it is adapted and taken in very well. Practices putting a dent on men's quality of life and/or enjoyment? Not as popular. I'm not saying Arab culture is "bad" but as it stands, it does not set a good standard for women's empowerment. There are many people within the Arab world working and campaigning to make it a more fair world, kudos to them 👏 All I'm saying is, before certain practices become centralized and compulsory for everyone, it should be questioned. Even if it is in the quran, it must be looked at objectively. I would love it if people would emphasize on the spiritual aspect of their religion (all religion advocate for good behaviour, kindness, good heart etc) and less on the political motives.
Edited by PandorasBox - 10 years ago
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