A LEADING Saudi cleric has condemned France for moving to ban Muslim face veils, but approved of Muslim women foregoing veils when visiting a country which outlaws them.
"It is illogical and unreasonable that the French government undertakes such a thing, which is condemned by neutral people, not just Muslims, because the secular state assures freedom of religion," Sheikh Aed al-Qarni told Saudi paper Al-Hayat.
"The state has to respect religious rituals and beliefs, including those of Muslims," he said in an interview.
However, he added, if Muslim women are in a country that has banned the niqab, or full-face veil, or if they face harassment in such a place, "it is better that the Muslim woman uncovers her face."
Numerous scholars of various Islamic schools of thought agree on this point, Qarni said.
"We must not confront people in their own country or other countries, or bring hardship on ourselves."
His comments followed France's parliament voting on July 13 to ban the niqab. The French senate will vote on the measure in September, after which it could still be challenged on constitutional grounds.
I agree if they are just visitors but if they are citizens then they have all right to oppose it by all legitimate means ..
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