Religious modesty and a women's place

Why cover the body? For Muslim women it means protecting yourself from lustful eyes. The embodiment of protection. Not only to keep the wearers heart pure, but everyone around that person will be compelled to be less lustful. And if every woman in a society is modest about how they present themselves there may be less crime/violence. At least that’s the idea. Maybe this is some of the Quran’s reasoning.

    Originally spoke of in the Quran the veil was reserved for the wealthy man’s wives, more precisely the prophet’s wives. The prophet, as wealthy as he was, had the means to keep his women behind a hijab (screen) as it was. He did this when he had visitors. The veil developed into a symbol of wealth as well as purity.

     There are many positive reasons women hide their beauty that some in America would not consider. The garb can help one feel safe in public situations. A woman’s beauty is very much a temptation, covering it protects the heart from sinful thoughts and actions.

       Some carry their ideals to counties abroad. Being reserved for a Muslim includes covering the body obviously, veiling the voice: tone, emotional outbursts. Boisterous laughter is not permitted.

     It is the religious leaders that make these rules. It is truly up to them to interpret the Quran’s teachings. It is interesting that the church has so much influence for Muslims. Some of ideals of religious modesty sprout from the implications of the story of Adam and Eve. Forbidden fruit anyone?

(Gender, Place and Culture

Vol. 18, No. 6, December 2011, 716–731)

I am

      Born Brian Kevin Raindance Laufer. I am what some would call peaceful. I handle most situations pretty well. I’ve worked with my fears though self inquiry, self scrutiny, and strive to be consciously aware. I believe most of us feel embarrassed at times. I have a mother (though loving) has been one of my greatest teachers of solidarity. Essentially, she taught me never to be embarrassed in public situations. For if I chose to be, she would embarrass me constantly. I trained myself to not care what people think of me. For my mother I love, I am thankful.

      I happen to love speaking to the class, asking questions, and answering them. It’s the most thrilling to share my views, with a deeper intention of sharing understanding, knowledge, wisdom. I like to say: it’s not words that are the truth, but the meaning, feelings, and understanding behind them that has “the effect” on you. I tend to branch off on what I feel is important.

     Ok, who am I. An important question to ask, I feel. Perchance sharing my passions in life will help you know who I am. I said when I was very young (about 4 years old) that “I want to be a nature man”. I still stick to that proclamation, and I couldn’t say it better myself. I am very much here to serve humanity, though I would most like to surround myself in nature at the same time (if possible). I am in wonderment over anything to do with nature, including human nature. Growing things is something I could not live without. I am working towards acquiring my own land so as I may build a garden paradise on the earth. Perhaps my dream will expand to be called a eco-village and spiritual retreat for the wandering seekers to rest and heal them selves with the love that the garden provides. Overall, I believe that if you unconditionally and selflessly love then all will be taken care of. Also you will be content with your life and always be happy. At least, that's how I see things.