The Peninsula On-line: 56.7% of audience at the Doha Debate in Quatar say Niqab veil hinders integration for Muslims

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56.7% of audience at the Doha Debate in Quatar say Niqab veil hinders integration for Muslims

DOHA: A majority of the participants – 56. 7 per cent – voted for the motion “this House believes that Niqab (face veil) is a barrier to Muslim integration in the West” at the Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates yesterday. The topic triggered a heated debate, in the context of the controversy raging in the West about the face veil worn by a section of Muslim women.

H. H. Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Misned, the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation and Dr Sheikha Abdullah Al Misned, president of the Qatar University, were present among the audience, along with several other dignitaries. The event was chaired by famous TV presenter Tim Sebastian.

Reem Maghribi, founder of Al Sharq, the premier English language British-Arab culture and lifestyle magazine,argued that wearing veil is not a requirement of Islam, but it has evolved from the custom. “Islam is a pragmatic religion and it does not ask Muslims to ignite fear among others,” she said. Note EU-Digest: " The Qatar Foundation’ is to be commended for hosting the Doha Debates"