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Covering the headscarf

In the end, the point isn’t about how much of a difference the hijab makes – the point is, rather, that perhaps we’re using the wrong litmus test when defining our religious obligations. An Islamic mandate to wear the hijab need not be legitimated by cultural, sociological proofs; rather, we submit to God’s commands because He commanded us to do so.

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Afghanistan’s taboo

Farid was diagnosed with impotency within the first few months of his marriage. In other households, the issue would be hushed up and the woman would often be blamed for this state of affairs, allowing the man to hastily divorce or take another wife. Not so with Farid. He chose to tackle the issue head-on.

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News briefs for week of March 30, 2009

This week, a disturbing video from the Swat region of Pakistan, discriminatory laws against Muslims in India and Afghanistan, and a rise in domestic violence in Gaza, following Israel's attack on the strip (and since Hamas rule began two years ago).

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Are non-hijabis “scantily clad”?

Some social scientific studies, such as a recent study by well-known Princeton psychologist, Dr. Susan Fiske, have been misleadingly used to promote the use of the hijab. Misrepresenting these studies – acknowledged by their authors to require further investigation – does little to serve such a cause, nor does it fairly portray the reality of Muslims (and non-Muslims) who choose to dress without it.

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“Girls only”: Arab women live and on-air

In a very short period of time, Amany Al-Tunisi's Egypt-based radio station “Banat wi Bass” (Girls Only) has succeeded in attracting a huge audience all over the Arab World. The station and its audience represent a growing desire among Arab women to make their voices heard.

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News briefs for week of March 23, 2009

This week, Gallup's new findings on American Muslim women, South Africa's new Muslim Marriages bill, a women-led boycott of Saudi lingerie stores (where only men serve as staff), and Britain's list of the most powerful Muslim women.

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Cool to be modest

Our feature on Eva Khurshid shows that whereas mainstream women’s fashion continues to tend toward immodesty, we can help push the trend in another direction – and make it cool to be modest.

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Honoring Aasiya

Though much has been said about the horrific killing of Aasiya Hassan, we should continue to honor her by reviving our memories of her brutal death and calling ourselves to action again. After all, presenting an alternative to the merchants of fear and hate who dehumanize others was her mission.

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Eva Khurshid – New York

Nyla Hashmi and Fatima Monkush struggled to find contemporary fashion that was modest until they developed their own brand of women's clothing with Eva Khurshid. But the design, religious, and economic challenges mean the two have to work twice as hard to get noticed.

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