Interviews from Islamic Women residing in a Western Country

The purpose of this section is to observe Islam from a Muslim woman's point of view who reside in a western society. To conduct the interviews a list of 10 questions were short listed from a larger population and were sent to 10 individuals. The following is the responses received from 4 of the interviewees.

The name of the interviewees are initialized for privacy reasons.

(A.Z) 27-year-old immigrant to Canada from Iran. Education: B.Sc. in Psychology.

(N.A) 58-year-old immigrant to Canada from Iran. Education: PhD in Textile Engineering (Retired university professor)

(F.G) 28-year-old immigrant to Canada From Iran. Education: M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering

(H.A) 63-year-old immigrant to Canada from Afghanistan. Education: B.Sc. in Holistic Nutrition

1- Female Education

Please explain the opportunities for women to receive the same education and existence of equal opportunities in an Islamic country?

(A.Z) There is not much equal standing for women in my country in terms of being active in different educational fields as men are. Sadly, people in charge, are very selective based on gender and usually the priority of being selected is for men in both university and work place.

(N.A) In Iran the opportunities of receiving the same education is equal for men or women. It depends on one’s ability !!

(F.G) Primarily, I need to mention the vast number of countries in which Islam is the major religion. Although all these people are Muslims but in some cases they are vitally different; culture, lifestyle, ancient rules and traditions, even geography is sometimes affecting everyday life. I was grown up in Iran, in a Shia society. Men and women were almost equal in terms of education. I felt no discrimination or limitations in terms of my sexuality when I continued my education.

(H.A) Except for one or two of the Islamic countries opportunities for education is not equally available for men and women. Also in some countries education is not available for women at all.

2- Employment

Please explain a time that a woman is not given the same opportunity when applied for a position that many of your competitions were men.

(A.Z) Based on typical stereotypes, women are not capable of doing certain jobs. The fact that women are emotional and not able to make  logical decisions at the time of crisis, prevents employees  to see or appreciate other potentials in women. For instance, in my country women are not allowed to become judge or pilot based on these socially constructed beliefs while we have female pilot and judges all around the world and they are doing a great job.

(N.A) The woman usually cannot get the high level position in the government even if they have more experiences and potential compare to male applicants.

(F.G) I have chosen to work in technology and engineering fields for almost 7 years now, at least three years of that has been in Iran. Religion doesn’t limit the women to work back there, I could apply for different positions competing men applicants. But there were special dress codes a woman had to follow to KEEP THE JOB in some special state companies.

(H.A) Except for particular positions (i.e. High official jobs) the opportunity is equally available.

3- Financial matter

How would you explain a women portion of involvement in decision making processes of financial matters of the family unit or how marriage contract could cause their marriage contract cause a change in their power to influence.

(A.Z) These matters depend on the families’ view and intellect mostly, but by law there is not much equal rights for women in order to have power over financial matters. Husband and wife can have an agreement over financial issue but by default, man has control over it.

(N.A) A woman can have involve in making decision for financial matters of the family unit. The Islamic rules may control the woman’s power if cases of disagreement and divorce occur.

(F.G) A successful marriage comes out of a good teamwork. I think men and women should be both involved in financial aspects of the family. Depending on the talents, one should lead in financial management while the other helps. The sexuality is not the issue here, I guess.

(H.A) In most Islamic countries, men are in charge of dealing with financial matters of family unit. For that matter, decisions are made by the men which decrease the women's authority level.

4- Mono/polygamy in Islam

What is your view on polygamy in Islam? How likely a modernized Muslim women would agree to marry a man who already has 2 wives in this era?

(A.Z) As long as there would be the same rights for women, I personally have no problems with it. May be it works for some people to live that way since according to evolutionary hypothesis monogamy is considered a relatively new phenomena in human nature. But so many women go through this without accepting it thoroughly. This can be destructive for themselves and the family. First question that each of us should be able to answer is how far we want to go, not how far we can go.

(N.A) It is unfair in my belief. This rule comes from the very old customs in Islam which is planned to be modified with the present condition in Iran. For example in such cases the man has to have his first wife permission to marry again and has to have enough money to manage the life for his wives and kids.

(F.G) There is a popular discussion which tries to convince that this law needs an update. Since it has been ruled nearly 14 centuries ago under very special circumstances and conditions of Arabs. Also, this law states the polygamy is allowed only when all women involved are satisfied and be threatened equally. This is very rare and difficult condition!

In one hand, it is interesting and convincing how “loyalty” has not been seen as a rigid and ideal case. Living in modern societies, I know human relations are deeply complicated. But on the other hand, I am not convinced why women are not considered in this case. I mean why polygamy is not allowed for women under the same circumstances.

The second part of this question doesn’t make sense to me. It is not a Muslim woman case really. The idea of becoming a mistress, the lover when you know there is another woman involved as “his wife” is not rooted from Islamic women! It is everywhere! Even in French, English, Russian literature you can find a lot of example for that. Islam only tries to accept the existence of mistresses, I would say.

(H.A) In most Islamic countries women accept this matter despite their intrinsic for having no or little financial freedom. However, it really differs from case to case.

5- Modernization/Globalization

With globalization as today's phenomenon and immigration as an option for people of different ethical background of different nations, how likely a Muslim woman would want to stay in their country rather moving to a western country?

(Continued) If immigrated, how likely would they stay truthful and loyal to their religious beliefs?

(A.Z) I , as a Muslim woman in a western country, do not practice Islam. I do not believe in Islam and any other religion. The only thing that makes me Muslim is  my birth certificate. I don’t think that’s enough for being considered as Muslim. I don’t even know should I answer this question or not since its not applicable in my case, but I write down my opinion about women who are very restricted and following their religion. I want to ask them, why you are here? For better life? Better education? Being in better environment (not male-oriented)?  But the fact that you are still sticking to your old beliefs, doesn’t mean that you unconsciously believe that your value as a human being in a society is less than a man?

(N.A) There are positive and negative points of living for everyone in his/her homeland. The most important point for one is making balance between bad and good things in mind. In the question 5 regarding for Iran as an Islamic country, There are many people living happy there with different beliefs of Islamic rules.

When some immigrate to a new land, he/she tries to make  balances  in religious beliefs and new situation in the new land.

(F.G) Practicing a religion when the majority of society does the same is much easier. For instance, as a Muslim you are pretty sure about the meat you buy, the time you pray and fast.

As it comes to the second part of this question, I think man finds a way when he has to! Technology has made the life much easier; you can search for religious communities or information you need.

(H.A) New generation of Muslim women immigrate more frequently compare to the older generation since they can hold on to their values and at the same time can be a part of the new society and enjoy freedom  equally as a Western woman does (in  most Western countries, for example, France is an exception to this)

6- Social status

In an Islamic country how would a woman's chances and opportunities would differ between a woman who practices her religion loyally compare to a woman who does not?

(A.Z) I believe none of these two groups are favored over the other or over men. Women who practices their Islamic values are already have lots of limitations and boundaries that make them not to be active in society. Women who are a bit more modern are facing lots of sexual harassment and disrespectfulness in educational environment and at work. These are two extreme end of this spectrum and obviously there are different dynamics in between in any society.

(N.A) It is not influenced 100% on the chances. It makes some limits and restrictions for a woman to get higher  job level.

(F.G) As I mentioned earlier, back in my country women have to follow special dress codes in public. In addition, there are laws restricting their right to divorce or taking the custody of their children. Even though they may not be the main motivation for immigration but surely they catalyze the process!

(H.A) Not necessarily. For having more freedom and authority many immigrants stop practicing or follow only rules that seems logical to them (for example, only pray and wear no veil)

Would religious frames and restriction of an Islamic country be the reason for its people to move to western society?

(A.Z) Partially it was a reason for me and I know so many people who had the same reason.

(N.A) Restriction of an Islamic country, yes

Religious frames, no

( before Islamic revolution in Iran there was no immigrant to other countries unless refugees who were against the government)

7- Following

How and to what degree do you follow the Islamic religion? Do you pray 5 times a day as required?

(A.Z) No, I do not follow Islam

(N.A) No.

(F.G) Yes.

(H.A) Yes.

 (If yes) How do you manage to carry out your-day-to-day life – things such as work, family life, social life – and complete your Muslim duties?

(F.G) I believe in God. And I think religions are an optimum way to get close to that great feeling of being surrounded by the almighty power. I follow Islam as a peaceful way. I should confess I don’t pray every day 5 times, but I would love to. ‘Cause it reminds me of God, the way he protects me and surrounds me. It is not bad to be reminded 5 times a day.

(H.A) For medical reasons, I cannot carry out all requirements framework of Islam. At the same time, it does not interfere with my day-to-day life tasks.

8- Equality

How do you think women are treated or looked at in a westernized Islamic community such as Canada, America and England compared to how it is back in countries that are in the Middle East?

(A.Z) It's hard to answer this question since I have never asked a westernized woman view on Islamic community. I believe they respect the differences but at the same time it is a question of limitations and restrictions for women. I think at some degree they appreciate women in these society, specially the activists ones since it is hard to be a women in those countries and survive.

(N.A) I think all people are treated with an unbiased social look in the westernized communities. This is quite different for the countries back in the middle east.

(F.G) I think the main difference is based in the laws. Canada is governed under liberalistic laws, while in some Middle Eastern countries men had tried to emerge some ethical laws. But it’s a customized Islam. One of the basic rules of Islam is the freedom in choice. There is a verse in Quran which mentions “There is no obligation in religion”. Even though a majority of people would prefer to be governed by religious laws, I think the judiciary rules should not be based on that.

(H.A) In most Western we receive more social support and have more freedom.

9- Veils

Islam is a very traditional and old religion. It sticks to its routes and has not changed or adapted to a more modernized culture. Therefore, I would like to ask how you feel about veils.

Do you still believe they are necessary and needed to comply with Islam religion or is it more of a cultural norm? Do you believe that women who do not wear veils are refuting the religion?

(A.Z) Veil is something that I have never ever understood the concept of it. Why I as a woman should I limit myself and my freedom in order to not trigger men? It is so obvious for me that veil is a restriction for women’s freedom. I do not understand how people connect veil to culture? Cultural customs are symbolic and they are the representation of a beautiful and meaningful concept. How come veil can be cultural? Is it a symbol of choice? I don’t think so.

(N.A) In some Islamic countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, etc changes are seen . It shows how adaptation of modified beliefs are working gradually. There are no force to wear veils in these areas. So it is not a common rule for all Islamic countries. I never wore veil as a traditional Islamic cloth.

(F.G) I think veils are cultural norms more than religion. I think Islam suggests you to protect your body like a worthy property; you should not expose it to everybody. But it doesn’t state to cover up everything. In all over THE BOOK, once it recommends the prophets wife to cover neck, hair and hands from the stranger men. The point is to respect woman’s body. Don’t decrease your level to sexuality. Let the others explore your great humanity not sexuality.

(H.A) I do not believe in veil and also believe not wearing it makes the Muslim woman laic.

10- What is Islam

In your own words can you please tell us what Islam means to you and its significance in your life?

(A.Z) When I was a child, I can say I was religious for some time but deep down I was so confused about all the concepts. I was brained wash by school and society. I prayed because I was afraid. I don’t think that would be a healthy reason to believe in something.

Right now Islam, like all other religion, seems to me more like an organization. All the rules and laws were legislated to control people. Which I believe it worked for some time and in some regions. Its not working today anymore. We should question authority before accepting what they put in front of us as fact and reality.

(N.A) Islam as a religion is the same as the other religions with rules and restrictions. Everybody may need to a spiritual axis in their lives and  this may be a religion or an unknown source of something. As I mentioned before, the most important thing is keeping balance .

(F.G) I know it would sound poetical, but Islam for me is a peaceful way to stay thinking of God. Very delicate practices to protect my soul being over-involved in this temporary quick paced life. A constant reminder of all the peace and happiness in nature.

(H.A) Islam like all other religions has boundaries, limits, rules, and restrictions. I personally believe most religions are all manipulated through time and are subjected to personal preferences in different eras.