Muslim men and women

Submitted by Marian Hennings (United States), Aug 13, 2006 at 23:48

I knew two Saudi men when I was in college who were intelligent, polite people who became good friends of mine. They were not Muslims, however, and I hope they did not have to return to Saudi Arabia as I would fear for their safety as the penalty for apostasy is severe and they were both atheists. The only Arab men I have met who showed real respect for women as people were not Muslims. Is there something about the Muslim religion itself that causes contempt and disrespect for women? Certain Christian and Jewish denominations also denigrate women. I hope that M is able to remain in a country where she can live as a complete human being, not buried alive in a chador or a burkha. (Also, it seems sadistic to force women to wear black garments in countries where the heat can be so oppressive.) I am sure she speaks for many women from Muslim countries and I wish her the best.

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