How do you define yourself?

Seek,

Your post although extensive there were something's I'd like to discuss in length but I don't want to take up much of the attention. It appears we are see-sawing back and forth regarding the clothing issue. When I make a statement if everytime you say "You are under the influence of Western Media" then how can we have a dialogue?

Another problem when conversing with other Muslims especially those against american policies or generally against American society when criticizing their world they say "you are wrong you are under the influence of Western media" I mean, aren't we all somewhat influenced by our collective communities? I mean, I doubt Al-Jazeera is any more objective than CNN but that is besides the point.

I think you sir are seriously mistaken when you say that I'm under the influence of Western Media when  say rape happens in Muslim countries. Look, if men rape other men (both figuratively and literally) then what makes you think other men don't rape women?

There is a slight dellusion for the individual who feels that there is no problems in their country especially if they are involved in the political affairs of the world. Again, my original point was to show that women who define themselves by the xternal portions of themselves, meaning, their clothing then they are doing the same labeling as those who misunderstand Islam are doing....

Israfil wrote: Brother Peacemaker just one point to address from what you stated: So even if a woman who dresses immodestly is she partially at fault for being raped? I mean, that would be insensitive to say tha wouldn't it? I'm capable of committing murder and if someone kills a member of my family I have the choice to commit murder but because I choose to retaliate does that make me a victim of what I was previously feeling? No. The law will not see me as a victim it will punish me although the sentencing would be decided if the act was premiditated or not. The point clearly is that yes Islamic dress code is to observed but my point is that we shouldn't define ourselves by what we wear as we seem to have been doing. This has not been discussed

Assalamu Alaikum,

Brother, in my humble opinion, I can not make any judgement, regardless of her dress, on a Sister who has been raped, who already, I think, has been hurt in such an inhumane way. I can only pray for her well being here and hereafter; besides this opinion of mine, I think that her case should be determined by the judge that would depend on many factors such as if Shariah law is the law of the land. If she was wearing immodest dress, all I can say that she was not wearing proper Islamic dress at the time the incident took place that can easily be verified by looking at Qur�anic verses; I will quote more below besides those posted in my last post.

Qur�an: 007.026
YUSUFALI: O ye Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness,- that is the best. Such are among the Signs of Allah, that they may receive admonition!
PICKTHAL: O Children of Adam! We have revealed unto you raiment to conceal your shame, and splendid vesture, but the raiment of restraint from evil, that is best. This is of the revelations of Allah, that they may remember.
SHAKIR: O children of Adam! We have indeed sent down to you clothing to cover your shame, and (clothing) for beauty and clothing that guards (against evil), that is the best. This is of the communications of Allah that they may be mindful.

Qur�an: 033.059
YUSUFALI: O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: O Prophet! say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they let down upon them their over-garments; this will be more proper, that they may be known, and thus they will not be given trouble; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

The point is what preventive measures are in place to make the society safer, from Islamic point of view, as far as women�s honor is concerned, and are we adhering to them or not? Even after proper adherence such terrible things happen to a woman, she at least did her part to take care of herself, and she will not be held accountable for that.

Since women�s honor and rights have very important position in Islam, shouldn�t the emphasis be placed on how to protect them? Well, it doesn�t necessarily mean that once you practice modest dress code, you have ticket to enter heaven; but, yes, I think, modest dress code, looking at Islamic texts, has an important position that can not, and should not be undermined.

Islam is a complete way of life. Faith, piety, generosity, righteousness, humbleness, modesty, and so many other traits shape our personality as a Muslim or Muslimah. No single trait is enough to define one, nor should anyone define oneself just by that.

Allah knows best.

Peace