Veils Are Not Bombs nor Bullets. The Veil Is Brave. It Wasn’t Meant to Be but It Has Become
by Sultanah Parvin in Culture & Lifestyle on 27th May, 2017
It is time to remind ourselves who we are.
We are compassionate souls. yet right now we will be the target of anger because we are visibly Muslim. And the obsession with our religious symbols gets crazy intense at these times of fear. It gets really intense.
It does doesn’t it sisters? We know because we go out prepared with what to say and how to behave when the cowards come for us.
But we need to be prepared. Defend yourself sisters. Defend your honour. Defend your dignity.
Defend your right to tell the world that veils are not bombs nor bullets. They are not armour against the ‘west’. They are not covers for no compassion. They are not a sign of weakness nor for bullies to have a go.
They are not weapons of any kind. Veils are nothing to anyone but you.
And your adorning of them doesn’t diminish your humanity. Veils are not bombs nor bullets. And they are not a green light for cowardice and vented frustration.
Right now the veil is brave. It wasn’t meant to be but it has become. So be it.
Sultanah Parvin
Sultanah Parvin is a writer and podcaster. She has been active in Muslim circles in London over the past 22 years. She has written for Middle East Eye and Media Diversified as well as appearing on news channels to discuss issues from misogyny to securitisation. She is a public speaker on issues of race and faith and currently is involved in a grassroots project to inspire discussions around women and their visibility. She is a mother of 3 children and an educator by profession.
