Letter: Women in Islam

Zarina Choudry
Monday 21 June 1999 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Natasha Walter has fallen into the seductive trap of out-of-date Victorian images when discussing Muslim women's issues. ("Is public modesty really what today's women want?", 19 June).

She writes: "The extreme value put on modesty means that even rape and domestic violence simply won't be spoken about." Tosh. Access the Internet and you'll find details of well-organised women's groups both here and abroad (including Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia) devoted almost exclusively to the issues raised.

Muslim women and girls are rapidly learning of their God-given rights within the Shariah (Islamic law) and nowhere does it allow men to rape and beat their wives and sisters. However, both men and women are instructed to control their baser desires in order to keep family life buoyant.

Rest assured, quietly, efficiently, and yes, even, modestly, Muslim sisters are at last addressing these issues for themselves.

ZARINA CHOUDRY

Hayes, Middlesex

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in