New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS): The Karnataka college that disallows its students from wearing either burqas or headscarves has found unexpected support amongst a section of Islamic scholars who say rules should be followed because Islam is not particular about imposing any dress code.
"Burqa is not a part of Islam. It is a part of culture, the culture that the people of the subcontinent have been following since ages. Nobody can enforce a dress code in the name of Islam. It is categorically un-Islamic," renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan told IANS.
"If a college has a rule to not wear a burqa or headscarf then that should be followed and respected. If you don't agree, you quit the college," Khan, who has authored 10 books, said.
His comments came a day after Mangalore's Sri Venkataramana Swamy College disallowed 19-year-old Ayesha Ashmin to attend classes for 12 days because she insisted on wearing a headscarf. The B.Com first year student alleged she was being persecuted for her religious beliefs as she was wearing a headscarf.
The college has denied the allegation and said the girl had violated the rules of the institution.
Khan, 82, does not disagree with the college.
"Islamic dress is your inner character, not what you wear outside."
"Man or woman, anyone can wear anything they feel is decent. What matters is your truthfulness and honesty in character," said the author of "Discovering Islam From Its Original Sources" that draws a distinction between Islam as presented by Prophet Muhammad and modern day Islam.
Fareeda Khan, who is also an Islamic scholar and teaches in the capital's Jamia Millia University, echoed the views.
"The burqa has become the symbol of rigidity and has nothing to do with Islam. You should accept that the burqa, a part of subcontinental culture, has been misused for suicide bombings. Why not avoid the burqa? Burqa is not part of any Islamic dress code," she said.
"I also suggest to my students to not wear a burqa in the university. What is the big deal about it?" Fareeda, who is also the daughter of Wahiduddin Khan, said.