Friday 12 February 2010

Fatwa Fun


Doesn't this kinda defeat the object?

Airport body scanners violate Islamic law, Muslims say

Saying that body scanners violate Islamic law, Muslim-American groups are supporting a “fatwa” – a religious ruling – that forbids Muslims from going through the scanners at airports.

“It is a violation of clear Islamic teachings that men or women be seen naked by other men and women,” reads the fatwa issued Tuesday. “Islam highly emphasizes haya (modesty) and considers it part of faith. The Quran has commanded the believers, both men and women, to cover their private parts.”
If this ruling is replicated on our side of the pond, the resultant clash between the home office and the politically correct will be interesting.

Still, much ado about nothing really. It's not like any muslim is going to hide a bomb in their pants or anything, now is it?




9 comments:

subrosa said...

Dick, how do these people reproduce so easily if they can't be seen undressed? There must be a technique.

Anonymous said...

I must remember to wear my burqa when travelling & say that body scans are against my religion.

JohnRS said...

So are we now going to see another "one rule for them another rule for us" situation akin to the Sikh dagger decision earlier this week?

Presumably Hattie Harperson's Equality Bill would support this kind of dual standard to ensure fairness to all?

Private Widdle said...

Could be good news. If rigorously enforced and adhered to by the faithful, it could stop the murderous bastards from ever getting on a plane....

When a few trains and coaches start getting blown to buggery, the Righteous might even take notice.

bayard said...

subrosa, they must do it by feel in the dark, or wear the sort of garment that St Augustine recommended which covers you from head to foot but has holes in the requisite places.

BTS said...

'One option offered to passengers who don’t want to use the scanners would be a pat down by a security guard. The Muslim groups are urging members to undergo those instead.'

Please let these security guards be dressed as The Village People and speak like Julian Clary..

Furor Teutonicus said...

subrosa said...

Dick, how do these people reproduce so easily if they can't be seen undressed? There must be a technique.


Well, I know the orthodox (STRICTLY orthodox) Jews have special "sheets", with a strateigiacly placed gap.

(So my Rabbi friend tells me)

I presume "they" have similar.

Angry Exile said...

subrosa, as I understand it it's acceptable to nude up providing it's between marrieds, and since only marrieds are supposed to be bumping uglies anyway that's all just fine. Presumably bathing children is looked at the same way. I think the modesty thing is all to do with ogling the working parts of strangers. I suspect it's more cultural than religious or the body scanner thing would have attracted more protests from Muslims and much sooner than this.

Personally if there is a general protest among Muslims about the scanners when they go into use here in Oz I'm going to join in. It's not a modesty issue, though my body's nothing to be particularly proud of, but the thing is that very few of them and even fewer of us are terrorists. I'm fucking sick and tired of the pointless security theatre and being treated as a fucking suspect every time I want to fly. If Israel can do car park to gate in half an hour without being blown up and without pissing away millions of dollars on scanners that can be defeated by German TV then why can't we have the same at Tullamarine and Heathrow?

Unknown said...

I am a frequent traveller and would welcome anything which makes it safe without the necessity for me to practically strip when going through security (these floors are pretty cold this time of year so my poor wee tootsies freeze).

My sympathies are actually with the folks who have the unpleasant job of looking at these 'images' all day. Doesn't bear thinking about.

Sorry Mr Exile. I can see your point and somewhat agree with it, but given the fact that there are a few 'bad people' out there I am of the opinion that if you don't go through the scanner, you don't travel.