I refer to the article headlined, 'Ugly face of Islam', which appeared in the South China Morning Post, on July 19.
From the article, one gets the impression that the three Muslim women concerned have fallen victim to unreasonable, outdated rules and have been deprived of a basic human right to choose what to wear.
This is just one of the innumerable instances in which Islam is misunderstood and demonised.
I would like to explain the Islamic view on women's dress. Islam, as a way of life, gives direction to attire for both men and women.
The dress code is part of the Shariah (Islamic law) ordained by God for mankind, so that human beings can lead a healthy, moral and happy lives.
Decent clothes, like honesty, kindness, filial piety and other virtues, are conducive to a moral society.
Both men and women should wear decent clothes. For women, it means covering their bodies, except hands and faces, with loose clothes.