“Under the Cover of Islam” in an essay written by Irshad Manji at the bottom of the OP-ED page of the NY Times on 11-18-04, a Canadian explained the problems she faces in the Euro-American culture because of the hijab, the head covering women of Islam wear for the sake of modesty. The difference, then, is religion as a distinctive garb is responsible for the way she, a liberal, westernized woman is perceived by European, American and other peoples who do not wear distinctive dress by command of their religion or as a show of faith.

I have been thinking about this aspect of “belief”.  Some people have, for me, strange beliefs causing them to do all manner of things that tell me – “This is strange!” For those of us who are Progressive, Reform Jews, the custom of black hats, wigs, and the showing of titztes (corded strings from a garment under outer clothes) worn by pious men of Orthodoxy, are the triggers that say to us that what these articles of clothing mean, THEY are different.  That is fine with me.  I understand; but there are many, non-Jews, who do not understand why wearing distinctive garments are necessary by believers in a religion and what it has to do with belief and how they are worn proudly by billions of “others”  in our world.

I think faith has to do with the refuge that it provides people. They take comfort and the feeling that what they have been taught since childhood makes them O.K. despite the looks and difference in treatment they receive by the non-believers around them.  I don’t suppose too many people know that Ken Jennings, the long-time champion and champion money maker on Jeopardy must, because he is a devout, tithing Mormon wears special underwear (that no one sees) because this is decreed by the elders of his faith. Ms. Manji can be identified by her distinctive headwear although, as a modern woman she eschews the bourqua. Jewish women of ultra Orthodox branches shave their heads when they marry and wear wigs so they will not be attractive to the opposite sex. This is not much different than Islamic practices although the Jewish women are not sequestered and prevented from contact with the other sex until marriage and then limited contact because they are married and are protected by their husbands.  These things are matters of Religion, belief and faith.

You don’t have to THINK when you adhere to such customs.  You accept and what others think is just too bad. The problem for us today is that such religious beliefs, customs and faith intrude in civil life and, once thought to be in the decline, have resurfaced and have been reinforced by the “leader” of one of the most secular nation in the world.             What is the world coming to?