Is the veil an obligation? photo: Périphéria Productions

A new local documentary, Je porte le voile by Nathasha Ivisic and Yanick Létourneau, explores Ivisic's own rather complex personal relationship to the veil. A blue-eyed Catholic with Slavic roots, she was raised in Longueuil and decided to don the veil after marrying a Moroccan man and converting full-heartedly to Islam.

The film, which screened to a sold-out crowd at RIDM last week, shows again Nov. 20 at the Grande Bibliotheque (475 De Maisonneuve E.) at 8 p.m., followed by a panel discussion with several Muslim women and moderated by les Amis du Monde Diplomatique.

When Ivisic first wore the veil in 1996, Islam wasn't well understood in Quebec, but her action was met with genuine curiosity, she says. This changed post-9/11 when racism and fear were directed at visible Muslims. "Because of a small group of extremists, people thought all practising Muslims were terrorists. I didn't face assault or physical abuse, [but this moment] did affect me very personally and as a Muslim, because it was a religion I consciously chose. People thought I was crazy."

The film begins with Ivisic's testimony at the reasonable accommodation hearings and charts her journey to understand why the veil is worn, and finally to question her own decision to do so. Along the way she meets outspoken Muslim girls and women, and finds herself torn between her deep faith and current societal context in Quebec.

"Deep down I believe wearing the veil is a personal choice, because religion is a personal matter. Most Muslims will say it's an act of adoration for God and an obligation for Muslim women, but there's still a debate. When you really ask, 'Is it an obligation or not?' that always starts a feud among Muslim women!"




 
 

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Not out-dated.     Actually. The "veil" is not outdated. The fact that North American's love nudity, doesn't mean everyone feels this way. Hindus, Sikhs, Orthodox Christians and Jews wear veils. Is anyone harassing them about it? No. Secondly, the "veil" - Hijab, is not just about covering your hair. It is about covering your body which is private. As a means to be respected. Not looked at like a sex object, or just a "woman". But people with no education on the issue won't understand this. Third, the "veil" HAS a meaning. Just because some non-practicing muslim women (non-practicing, therefore you're not reallt a believer.) think this, or that you, SHAHEEN JUNAID have obivously not read the Qur'an. Because the verses are clear on this. Or maybe you have and just don't care. Don't forget, the dounia is temporary sister. Fourth, If you people, or anyone else have a problem with the "veil" then don't wear it and don't care about it. But don't come to me, and tell me what I can and cannot wear. I'm a canadian citizen. Born and raised just like my great great great great grand-father etc... So don't think only "immigrants" are muslims and CHOSE to dress like this.
Ghislaine Comeau		January 27th, 2010
Religious freedom does not excuse oppression     I am too tired of this debate. People of many faiths and backgrounds wore a veil in THE PAST (look Mary Jesus' mother Mary). Other cultures have left this outdated custom in the past where it belongs. This has nothing to do with Islam but rather is out dated tool that keeps women inferior position. How can anyone really say that the majority of women have capacity to choose not wear this? Are men required by God to wear such restrictive clothing? It is a tool if oppression, plain and simple. Oppression wrapped in religious freedom is still oppression.
barry jorgenson		December 1st, 2009
wear whatever u want muslim or not     different muslim interpret islam differently. most muslim do believe hijab is not important and is just an outdated dress of the medieval times and that u dont have cover your hair to be modest.
farzana haque		December 4th, 2009
Natasha's documentary     I just want to bring to the forefront, a notion that certain Muslims have about wearing the Veil. This piece of cloth has NO meaning IF we do not follow certain codes of life. Too much importance is given to this piece of cloth that adorns me and is a part of my costume. I did NOT grow up wearing the viel ALL the time, I wore it when I went in front of elders, I wore it at the time of prayers and I wore it at the time of entering the Mosque - or a Religious ceremony. This piece of cloth AKA "hijab" is NOT important, what IS important? It is your MODESTY, how you interact, what is your character (how you deal with other human beings) etc. People think that they wear this cloth and they become MUSLIMS?? NO, it is a WHOLE code of life and this piece of cloth is a miniscule part of it. In the end, EVERYONE should know that EACH of us is responsible for our own actions and there is NO force or coercion in religion and CERTAINLY NO imposition. So please let it rest I am tired of this "Scarf" debate which makes me feel like nothing about ME is important BUT the scarf!!!??? Bravo to Natasha for exposing herself to all the barrages of questions. Let it rest people. PLEASE.
Shaheen Junaid		November 24th, 2009

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