We are in an era of trials and tribulations, as foretold by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Al-Fitan – tests of faith, confusion between truth and falsehood, mutual dissensions, obscurity between right and wrong, widespread killing, war, and natural disasters – are rampant. Not to mention that it's becoming increasingly difficult for Muslims to be able to freely practice their faith without facing some form of persecution, disdain, discrimination, humiliation or verbal assault. Those of us who are living in countries where the Shariah is openly adhered to have no idea what it is like to be discriminated against. The alleged statements of Sheikh Tantawi of Al-Azhar University caused an outcry in the international media, perhaps blown totally out of proportion and context, to cause yet another furor against the niqab. Circles of so-called “progressive” Muslims, who wish to see the growing trend of young Muslim women willingly donning the face-veil banned, particularly in western countries, have jumped at the chance to denounce this trend, which they claim is an ancient “custom”, and not a part of Islam. A case in point is the 2006 incident of British politician Jack Straw voicing his personal opinion against the face-veil of Muslims, which prompted British Muslim presenter and media personality, Saira Khan, daughter of Pakistani immigrants, to appeal for a ban on the niqab in Britain. She did this again when French President Nicolas Sarkozy made a similar anti-niqab public statement this year. Whether the alleged statements made last week by the respected Sheikh Tantawi are true or not; whether he was misquoted to cause an unnecessary controversy, is something that might never be known for sure, as is always the case with reporting today. However, what is more disconcerting is the ripple effect that is evident on a global scale. Within just a few days of this incident, groups from Italy to Canada are appealing for a niqab ban. What is important for us lay Muslims, who are the audience of such cause-and-effect public dialogue and controversies, is to know how to respond to them. Should we immediately indulge in heated debates about what others are saying? Or should we give the parties involved the benefit of the doubt? What should we do? Be grateful for our safety If we can leave our homes, attend educational institutions, and roam the public streets in face-veils, without the fear of any kind of abuse, then we should be extremely grateful to Allah. Our Muslim sisters in Britain, France, and now even in Canada, are unfortunately not blessed with this ‘luxury'. They might have thoughts of the future cross their minds repeatedly, “Will I be able to continue wearing the niqab?” Pray for your sisters In Egypt, some university students wearing the niqab were banned entry into its all-girls hostel, because of their face-covers being cited as “a security threat”, viz. that a man might enter wearing the niqab. The girls protested that a female guard at the gate was the best solution to this problem; one who could check their faces before they entered, instead of taking the extreme measure of banning their entry because of the niqab. The incidence of such cases makes clear how the situation is becoming a little volatile even in a Muslim country for young girls who opt to wear the niqab. How hurtful it must be to watch other Muslims – our brethren in faith – appealing to local governments and authorities to ban the face-cover from public places! Our sisters who wear niqab around the world need our sincere du'a more than our heated opinions about what Sheikh Tantawi did. May Allah grant them steadfastness and make their trial easy. We should remember that if these people succeed in getting the niqab banned today, the jilbab and headscarf might not be too far behind, tomorrow. Allahul Musta'an.