Imam tells Italy that wearing of veil is in tradition of the Madonna

Left: Madonna and Child with Saints (Montefeltro Altarpiece)
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Couldn't find any pictures of the Madonna wearing a Niqab or Burka.

Interesting story from Italy. Following the recent ban of covering the face in Belgium, an immigrant in Italy has been fined for refusing to respect Italian customs. Why not a ban of covering the face in the whole of the European Union?




The Guardian reports that Veiled Muslim women have become the true upholders of western traditions of female dress, says Italy's top imam (sic), who angrily condemned the decision to fine a woman in Italy for wearing a veil that completely covered her features.

The incident, which took place in the northern Italian town of Novara, was the first of its kind in Europe.

Izzedin Elzir, the president of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy (UCOII) and a former fashion designer, said: "If we go and see the beautiful artistic representations of the Madonna, we see her with the veil. We don't see her semi-naked, I think.

"For that reason, I believe it is the Muslims who are protecting the traditions of our country."

His remarks are likely to cause outrage on the right, particularly among members of the Northern League, who maintain that Italy's identity is inextricably tied up with its Christian traditions. Read more