London: Two European leaders separately voiced concern at the Muslim veil, with Britain's Tony Blair calling it a "mark of separation" and Italy's Romano Prodi saying it should not be used to hide behind.
Both leaders said the wearing of full veils presented difficulties for their nations with Muslim communities and immigrants needing to integrate into Western societies.
"It is a mark of separation and that's why it makes other people from outside the community feel uncomfortable," Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday when asked his opinion on the veil, which has become a hot topic in Britain in recent weeks.
Former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said earlier this month he asked Muslim women in his constituency to remove their veils when they come to see him.
And a Muslim teaching assistant was suspended over her refusal to remove a veil which left only her eyes visible.
In Italy, Prime Minister Romano Prodi said it was a matter of common sense that people show their faces in public. "You can't cover your face. If you have a veil, fine, but you must be seen," Prodi said. "This is common sense I think, it is important for our society. It is not how you dress but if you are hidden or not."
Some in the Muslim community, however, have complained of increasing "Islamophobia".
"What is happening, especially in the last few months, has been a barrage of demonisation of the Muslim community to such an extent that the community is now scared and the whole community feels vulnerable," said Mohammad Abdul Bari, a leader of the Muslim Council of Britain.
Your comments
Its very clear from the talk that those who had given statements does not have any knowledge of Islam. People like Tony Blair or Jack Straw should seek knowledge and then comment about out Hijab. And I ask Mr Raju who said " If the community is not comfortable with a veil over your face, then simply take it off"...I ask him if your staying in Sharjah why don't you become a Muslim and ask your wife/Daughter or mother to wear Hijab?
Zara
Sharjah,UAE
As a British woman who now lives back in UK but who converted to Islam while living in UAE, I fully back the comments made by Jack Straw.
The veil is NOT asked for in Islam. Therefore it is not needed. So why do some Muslims say its a religous right? Its not because the Qu'ran does not ask for the veil.
Muslims that winge and whine about silly things like this are giving the entire Muslim faith a bad name.
Tahani
Brighton,United Kingdom
In my opinion I feel Jack Straw need not make a fuss about such issue of veils. All he needs to do is find solutions in integrating. My question why does Jack Straw want to see faces of someone else's wife?
Akanke
Dubai,UAE
If Western people want other nationalities to follow their dress code, will they do the same in other countries?
Saji
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Women don't really have to cover their face.
Usman
Dubai,UAE
When a lady covers her face for sure it will make it difficult for the other person to identify her. They should not consider it an insult if they are asked to take it off.
sumi
dubai,UAE
I am sure all people have heard the saying: "In rome do as Romans do." I don't understand why poeple making such a fuss. If Muslims in Europe are not comfortable then they should leave the country.
Chandresh
Dubai,UAE
In western countries, the people said that they are free and there is democracy, so it is logical that they wear what they want.
Reda
Constantine,Algeria
It is very natural to show your face when you communicate with someone It is not prohibited in Islam. Women in Muslim countries like Iran, Pakistan, Malasia, Indonesia and Egypt wear hijab or headscarf but not a complete veil and their faces are visible. So why we Muslims make a big issue out of nothing? If we are living in Europe or other western societies then we should try to integrate.
Akhlaq
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
The use of a veil has nothing to do with practicing Islam. Religious bigots in the UK are making it very difficult for decent immigrants with their unreasonable requests. As a British Asian I support Jack Straw's comments. I'm glad he had the guts to speak out and wish the silent majority of tolerant Muslims would do so too.
Mazar
Southall,UK
This so-called modernization is ruining us.
Mohammad
East Riffa,Bahrain
It is purely an individual's choice how she or he wants to dress up in public. People don't comment on those who walk nude in the parks or beaches, so why pass comments on Muslims wearing veils?
Asna
Dubai,UAE
I think no one has the right to go against the religious standards of an individual and make their lives difficult. People should accept them for what they are. If European nationals are accepted for wearing mini skirts and short dresses in Dubai, i don't think they should object to those wearing hijab in their country.
Equality and freedom of religion is the primary right of an individual.
Mariam Mukhtar
Dubai,UAE
With due respect to all the religions, I would like to say that wherever we are, we should try to integrate with that community as a whole. If the community is not comfortable with a veil over your face, then simply take it off. Don't mix the issue with religion to complicate the matter.
Raju
Dubai,UAE
Jack Straw is not to be blamed since he has very limited or no knowledge of Islam at all. This can be seen from his comments with regards to the veil of a Muslim lady. I feel he is trying to stir up trouble and gain popularity.
Muddasir
Dubai,UAE
Wearing of veils is one the rights of women in Islam. Nobody can beat this right. This barrage of demonisation reveals that Islam is growing fast in Western countries eventhough there are more controversies.
Abbas
Dubai,UAE
It is high time for the Muslim community to unite and interpret their believes vis-a-vis the Quran and the need of the modern society. If Indian and Pakistani Muslims can walk in ordinary dress, using head scarfs, why can't other Muslims do so in a society like Europe?
Paul
Kerala,India
This act from the European nations is outrageous and totaly unacceptable. This is not the sense of liberty they talk about. No European or other nationalities living in the Arab world is forced or asked to put on a veil in public. The people have a right to choose how they have to represented in public based on their belies.
Fakhrul
Dubai,UAE
I think the comments made by Jack Straw were uneccessary and the issue could have been tackled in a more diplomatic way, however I also think that if a muslim woman is going to integrate into the UK community then she has to accept that wearing the veil is not acceptable, it does create a communication barrier and people will find it difficult to accept. There has to be a balance. I am a British Muslim and wear Hijab and would not expect to work effectively with my entire face covered, especially in a non-Islamic state.
Asiya
Dubai,UAE
Nobody has the power to deprive Muslims of practicing their beliefs, even the superpowers of the world.
Anwar
Sharjah,UAE
