Barbadians recorded their reaction to a story published on February 1st 2010 in the Daily Nation on the proposed ban on the niqab in France.  The story quoted the Secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association Suleiman Bulbulia as saying  "We are looking at the whole proposal of banning the wearing of veils n France as a serious development,"  "European countries have long prided themselves on supporting religious freedom; so we are left to wonder why they would want to go back on this position.  "This is not a good step. It impinges on one's freedom to practise one's religion."

Bulbulia noted to the Daily Nation that the ban actually refers to the veil known as a niqab. He said in Barbados some Muslim women also wore the hijab, a scarf that covers the hair, ears and neck only, leaving the face visible.  In Bajan schools, some Muslim students wear the hijab, while the full veil is usually worn by Muslim females who have finished school, he pointed out.  Bulbulia said the call for a ban in Paris might be a reflection of the ethnic and racial intolerance in European societies.

He said he hoped that Barbados would not take any lessons from the French development, but reasoned that the Barbadian society was "more developed, more understanding in terms of building relations among different groups of people".

He also said that in our society where "a lot of people have been speaking about immoral dressing and dressing inappropriately" it should be applauded when "people take the decision to dress modestly".

Juan Boxill commenting on the Daily Nation online edition said that "the Barbadian society was "more developed, more understanding in terms of building relations among different groups of people". That is PSCY 101. Lets not get caught up with his reverse psychology crap. In this day an age, the full face should be shown, if not when will we know if its a criminal under those veils. Barbados, step up to the plate and ban the veils."

Nik adds his views saying "Those who are see this as a step backward are not aware of world current events. It amazes me how those who are living on foreign soil expect the utmost tolerance for their beliefs - what about the NATIONAL beliefs of the country they now call home?? Don't the French have the right to do what they believe will protect their country and people - muslims included???"

"Somebody should tell muslims that you can't build relations by hiding your face from other people. All you do effectively is make yourself a non person. Barbadians are an open and trusting people. These veils are alien to our society and introduce an unwanted and unwelcome feeling of distrust and suspicion." chimed in Inkwell.

Elder asks "Did anyone ever thought why veil is not banned in America? Why in France at this time? Does it have to do with local election to be held very soon? Nik believes that all muslims who lives in Barbados are not Bajans.Well! I have bad news for you ,over 80% of muslims have their naval string buried right here. Ottawa Bajan need to know that muslims from west Bengal camp over ninety years ago and today there are about fifteen hundred muslims in Barbados and most of them are born and bred Bajans.Come and visit us when next you come to Barbados and you will learn that we are not aliens from outerspace."

You can follow the full story and the ensuing debate by clicking on the read more link below.

Birmingham, United Kingdom - 30/1/2010 - His Royal Highness Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales will be the Chief Guest invited to celebrate the role of spirituality, arts and culture in growth and development of well balanced British Muslim citizens. The event is hosted by The Centre for Spirituality and Cultural Advancement under the patronage of Shaykh Hisham Kabbani. Aa'shiq al-Rasul (AAR), the UK's most versatile Muslim music band, has been selected to perform in their company.  The Muslims Trinidad and Tobago have enjoyed two tours of Aa'shiq al-Rasul at the invitation of ASJA, the islands largest Muslim organization.

Founded in 1998 by lead singer Amran Ellahi with the mission of creating contemporary, positive and reflective music intended to increase people's understanding of one another to help build social bridges globally whilst working with all faiths and cultures towards sharing a message of peace, love and hope. Over the past decade Aa'shiq al-Rasul has reached thousands of Muslim youths domiciled in UK, Europe, North America, the Caribbean and Malaysia with its seven released albums and live performances. 

HRH Prince Charles has a long track record of supporting arts and culture generally and particularly encouraging minority communities to sharing their culture with mainstream British society. This event will take place on 4th February 2010 from 12:30pm. to 5:00 p.m. at the Manchester United Football Club, Old Trafford, Manchester. Amran Ellahi founder and lead singer of Aa'shiq al-Rasul said "It's a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase to the Crown Prince the efforts being made to motivate British Muslim youth to be creative in order to develop and share the values and virtues universal to all societies"

Aa'shiq al-Rasul is Britain's most versatile nasheed group into its second decade of performing. Its catalogue varies from the traditional to the contemporary, lyrics are performed in English, Arabic, Urdu and Punjabi; supported by percussion instruments, drums only or voice only. AAR on stage talent are Hafiz Amran Ellahi, Kamran Ellahi, Sheraz Yaqub, Tahir Khan, Tariq Aslam on vocals supported by percussionists Usman Malik, Harjit Singh and Claire Bond.  AAR's vocalist are classically trained singers. Performing nasheeds, hamds, naats, qawalli, qasida, nasyhid, using classical and contemporary arrangements. Aa'shiq al-Rasul appeals to audiences with South Asian heritage as well as those who were socialized and cultured in the West.