The Islamic faith allows girls to sing, dance, and enjoy the fun that children have without needing to justify their fun by allowing and encouraging the imitation of adult behavior, or clothing.
Recently a group of 8 year old girls wearing, what has been termed, provocative dress appeared on the internet. The video was recorded during a show called World of Dance. The girls were dancing, singing and, “gyrating” to a song originally performed by Beyonce Knowles. Some of the movements the girls were making have been described as sexually provocative.
Muslim Dress for Girls
Islam maintains a code of dress for girls where modesty is the rule of the day. The Quran states in Chapter 33 verse 59, “O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. ..”
There are more child molesters coming out of prison and reoffending then ever in the history of the human race. Yet the Quran, over 1400 years ago, warned those who adhere to its teachings to beware of would be offenders who prey upon women and children. The Quran gives women and girls their first line of defense; their clothing and attitude.
Education For Girls
To further the education and protection of young girls and boys, The Quran encourages the adults in charge of them to adhere to the Islamic system of the children’s progress through Quranic teachings.
The Quran states in chapter 24 verse 58, “O ye who believe! Let those … (children) among you who have not come of age ask your permission (before they come to your presence), on three occasions: before Morning Prayer; the while ye doff your clothes for the noonday heat; and after the late-night prayer: these are your three times of undress: …”
As such, boundaries are given to children in Islam so that they will learn what modesty is from the practices of their parents. They come to understand that their parents will not attempt to exploit them and will provide a safe environment.
Teaching at Age Appropriate Times
In Islam children are taught and exposed to different aspects of life at the appropriate ages. As the Quran states in Chapter 24 verse 59, “But when the children among you come of age, let them (also) ask for permission, as do those senior to them (in age): Thus does Allah make clear His Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.”
The above verse establishes for the Muslim children that they have rights and responsibilities that will change with age. Like the confirmation of Catholic children and the Bar Mitzvah of Jewish children, Muslim children are exposed to different teachings and experiences in their life at appropriate times.
Hence, Islam considers it a danger for children to be exposed to adult oriented activities before they are of the age (reaching maturity) to need to know of such things (i.e. pending marriage). Such activities are meant for adults during private moments.
Muslims believe that involving children in provocative and sensual activities must not be justified, as art or entertainment, when it could jeopardize their safety.
Khalil Green - Khalil Green has obtained a Bachelors Degree with Departmental Honors in Religious Studies from Washburn University in Topeka Ks. His ...
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