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[quote]Dear Brother Zeenaeem:

Thank you for your patient explanation.  Indeed I am seeking information and spiritual awareness, hence the asking of the question.  I have not the time or the inclination to pose questions simpply for the fun of it.  Toward this end, I am open to the truth and knowledge and hope that you will keep me in your du'as in this matter and all that I endeavor of good, InshaAllah.

No, that was not the first time I have read that particular passage but I was commending you for backing up your thoughts with specific reference to the Qur'an.  Many people speak but never reference the Qur'an so I appreciated your diligence.

If you would continue to indulge me in this matter I still have some questions.

First, from your examples adornment seems to mean all those items we use to "make or enhance our beauty" e.g. bracelets, hair color, jewelry, etc.  And apparent seems to mean those things with which we are born, hair, nose, eyes, hands, etc.

So it makes sense that you only beautify yourself--add things like the things I mentioned above--for the pleasure of your husband or family members.

The thing I am still pondering is if there is such a specific reference to a specific culture (the wearing of the ankle bracelet) that does not apply to many other women from different cultures then is there some more symbloic meaning to modesty?  I think you kind of hint at this point when you mention men's hijab as guarding their gaze.

I guess the other thing I am thinking is that there are many different ways for a woman to dress modestyly (to cover her body completely) that is more representative of her own cultural traditions.  I have heard some people say that there is only one way to wear hijab or hijab only looks like this.  What do you think of this sentiment?

The other thing I thought about after reading your explanations is it is clear that Islam liberated women and saw them as important human beings that have spiritual needs and responsibilities.  We just have to look at what was going on with other women to see this is true.  This is evident in who narrated hadiths, women could ask the prophet (PBUH) spiritual and practical questions just like the men, they could no longer be forced to marry, they had rights to divorce for myriad of reason and so on.

But since that time many cultures have learned (some from exposure to Islamic socities) that women are human and therefore have a spirit that must be developed b/c they too will be judged on Judgement day and women's right to make choices for themsevles and to do things (read from the scriptures, ask questions, etc.) have been increased.  In the old days other cultures saw the treatment of women in Islamic socities as a step up--advancement indicative of an advanced civilization--but now that is not the perception.  How has the definition of equality changes so that when people look at the past they beleive (muslim and nonmuslim) that Muslim women had it better than other women but in the present the perception is that Muslim's women's status lag behind other women.

I look forward to your feedback.

salaam,
shahidah[/quote]

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