Is it okay to use women's naked bodies to sell automobiles but covering them up is "debasement?

i completely agree wit MR.Dayanand.....

Sujit, you can oppose every one of my comment from now on. I don't care, as a matter of fact I will not say anything about it anymore.  However, there is one thing I will share with you. In every person's life there will be a first time in everything we do or that happen to us.

In my case you are the first person who ever try to make a fool of me openly. In my personal life as well as my professional life I am well respected and loved by everyone who has crossed my path. At Toostep I have many friends who has been asking me time and again to ignore you. So you can continue to do what you know best. Wish you good luck. 

Dear Shahid, Khaja and Sujit,

The discussion if done w.r.t. present will serve any purpose than going deep into Kuran. I dont know why such a good question was at all asked in Islam's perspective. No religion in the world professes immorality NONE. Its the interpretation which matters and which is actually the problem of today's world. Be it Taliban or Bajrang Dal.

As far as advertisements are concerned I do not think an almost naked woman sleeping over a bike would be able to make me to purchase it. I do not understand who are those target viewers who turn into customers? My point is that even nudity is beautiful but only if used and presented in right context. If not then it becomes obscenity. Many of our advertisement, in purely my view, are crossing the limits of art and entering into the other area. Like what message a nude couple was trying to give in the advertisement of a shoe?

Not only advertisement the women tennis stars' photographs selected by the sport editors of news papers are also many times strange. Sania Mirza, our icon, was put to problem because of her photographs which she never posed for. What will you call that ...art or. intentional use of nudity(?) for commerce?

Sujit, I guess you now understand how I felt when you came out of nowhere and started helter skelter to rate me thumbs down for comments I made ages ago.

while buying a car we see it's engine , features , specifications , price ....etc...etc...

I think if we buy an autombile just for the sake of a heavenly body promoting it :::

it's purely a nonsense , illogical & impulsive purchase....

Dear Sujith Kumar

Your Ideology to discard the old things not logical and its amazing when it comes from a IIM student. The Sun, The Moon The Stars, The Earth, The Seas, the Planets and the entire universe all these are thousand of millions and billions years old, so as per your ideology U have to discard all these old creatures then where U will find your place and your identity in the Universe?????????

So people like You & Sarkoze minded just misusing the term & talking big about “Women’s Right” & “Women Equality” are actually exploiting The Women’s Rights & Equality”  and trying to oppress the freedom of religion of Muslim Women.

I am not binding women not to go for the job, I am reminding who goanna give mother care to the children and Brest feeding responsibility if mother being put to take on job.  I am reminding the men why putting pressure & fatigue on women to go for earning why they can’t oblige to take care of the need of their Mother, sister, wife. Could you imagine what sort of pain women have to sustain during their monthly period, pre natal & post delivery which is common routing unlike men.

You are mistaken by thinking that The Holy Book (Quran) is written thousand of year ago by people like U & Me, The message of Quran is guidance to mankind for all times and It is relevant to every age (present, past & future) that is the beauty of Quran, so even though no matter it is 1430years old but you can find  reply to your comments as below.

“And if you are in doubt about what we have sent down (i.e, The Quran) up on Our Servent (i.e Prophet Muhammed PBUH), then produce a sentence the like thereof and call upon your witnesses (i.e supporters) other then Allah, if you should be truthful. But if you don’t –and you will never be able to – then fear the fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers” Quarn-Chap.2 (Al Baqra), Ver.24 & 25.

The Modern Science with many discoveries are only recent development while the Quran has taught & explained these modern since discoveries more then 1000 year ago, such as Astronomy(creation of Universe), Physic (about Atomic particles), Geography (Water cycle),Geology (Mountains like pegs) Ocean logy (Barrier between sweet & salt water) Biology (living thing made of water) Embryology(creation of human being) etc. For more details U may refer the Book The Quran & Modern Science by Dr.Zakir Naik

So I concluded that your ideology against BURQA is sense less and  against religious freedom right of Muslim Women and You or Sarkozy like minded can’t succeed to imposed your ideas  so better don’t try to interfere in Islamic law matter.  

Mr. Sujit, There should not be double standard. And let me clearify you that hijaab/veil is for female to cover themselves. So you don’t have to worry about your self.

Secondly, If someone gazing at girls irritates you, then it means you don’t like it and this should be counted as anti-social behavior.

Thirdly, If thousand years old practice is beneficial in this modern age or give protection to mothers and sisters, then what’s wrong in adopting those irrespective of their religion?

As you asked me, if I am working in media or not? This wont help you in anyway. Your faith and belief will always remain the same and very safe. No media or No philosopher can change or hack it.

Open your own mind and research well before any discussion or debate specially on religious issue. Here again, I am trying to explain, if you can come out of so called darkness in your own language.

Here are just a few of the FAQs.

Why is Islam portrayed as a religion that oppresses women and puts them in a position inferior to men?

Part of that is certainly due to the stereotyped image of how Islamic women are portrayed in western media as an extension of Islam-bashing.

A prominent example is the movie "Not Without My Daughter" in which scores of false and fictitious depictions were made of women in an Islamic country. It is also true, however, that in many so called "Islamic" countries, women are not treated according to their God-given rights. But this is not the fault of Islamic ideology but rather the misapplication or sometimes the outright denial of the ideology in these societies.

Why does the media choose to misrepresent Islam and Muslims in such a manner?

The question is one with no defined answer. Many, myself included, may first consider that ignorance is at its roots - that those in control of the media simply are not well informed on Islam, and that this comes through in the articles and programmes they produce. However, on further reflection this argument can easily be dismissed.

What do women and Islam have in common?

Besides the stereotyped images that each suffers from individually, the status of women in Islam is one of the most extremely misunderstood and incorrectly portrayed things in western society.

The concept of gender equality in Islam is stressed by the non-superiority of either sex over the other. It came at a time when it was necessary to elevate the demeaned status of women and grant them rights equal to those of men.

The equality of women in Islam is evident by the unprecedented legal rights given to them under a monotheistic religion as defined in the Quoran. As one of many examples, consider the rights of women in marriage and divorce. Both men and women have equal rights to contract a marriage as well as to dissolve it. The precondition of marriage is merely the mutual agreement by both parties.

And unlike Christianity, a woman in Islam can divorce her husband at any time if she feels that she has been dealt with unjustly or even if she is just unhappy with her spouse since marriage is based upon mutual responsibilities toward each other.

As for social rights, Islam has always recognized the prominent role that women play in society. They are given the freedom to pursue any profession including political positions.

Both in the past and present day, women in Islamic societies have reached political heights unparalleled in the most "advanced" western nations.

After  reading Sujit and Mr. Khwaja's arguement, I am trying to give some of the obvious reasons below. Hope this will help Sujit to understand easily.

Many claim that Muslims oppress their women and Muslim women allow themselves to be oppressed because they wear the scarf/ hijaab.

Nothing is further from the truth. The Hijaab is a form of liberation from being treated like a sex symbol. Always remember, hijaabis are judged according to character, not physical appearance and SHE COVERS HER HEAD ...AND CHEST, NOT HER BRAINS!

When a hijaabi speaks to men, they look into her eyes, not parts of her body. They speak with a respectful tone and they treat her seriously.

Even according to a psychological study in 1995 found that three minutes spent looking at models in a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty, and shameful. Models twenty years ago weighed 8% less than the average woman, today they weigh 23% less.

When there is the possibility for further discussion with those who are interested, knowledge and understanding of the topic are imperative. A very effective technique is to relate the concept to something that is familiar to the other person. Some examples of questions that could be posed include:

-"Did you every wonder why Mary, the mother Jesus (alayhes salam) wore clothing very similar to that of Muslims?"

-"Why do Catholic nuns dress the way they do?"

-"Did you know that in the Canon laws of the Catholic church today there is a law that requires women to cover their heads in church?"

-"Did you know that there are some Christian denominations, namely the Amish and the Mennonites, who still require women to wear the head covering?"

-"Were you aware that is was the custom of Jewish women to go out in public with a head covering and that some denominations still practice this today?"

These discussion points demonstrate the obvious fact that the head cover was not introduced by Islam, but rather that this requirement has been in place for thousands of years.

This can also be a cogent segue to more crucial topics such as the fact that Moses, alayhes salam, Jesus, alayhes salam and Muhammad, sallalahu allahe wa salam, were all prophets of the same God and that they each carried the same basic message.

Islam corrected the errors that had been introduced into previous revelations by humans and completed the process that was planned by Allah.

Dear Sujit Kumar

Thanks for your question I don't shy to answer  how silly your question is, Please note that In Islam you will find there is guidline for mankind which helps people in every aspect of life such as How to dress, How to eat, how to sleep, how to drink, how to work, How to go Toilet etc do you belive even How to Intercoure with Wife?

So dress code for Man & Women cleary desribed in Islam, please note that Both Men & Women are required to be appear in decient dress. Womens to cover their bueaty except for their husband while the Men to cover their body from Chest to below Knee.

So being as male gender I am not fall in femal category to wear "BURQA" if I would have been sent by GOD in feamale gender I would have definately wear BURQA voulentarily to being a obedient slave to GOD.

Regarding your second part of question the "EQUALITY" Islam is the only religion which has given equail rights for the Womens infact higher Status safeguard & Full Protection to Women.

A few Examples:

1) Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said "Heaven is at the feet of Mother while Father is the central door for Heaven" so see hear is the Status of Women is not equal to men? infact it is higher then man.

2) If a women being as wife suffering abuse from her husband & inlaws can file for divorced case & get rid off from him & them for getting her right to spend happly life by choosing another good Husban

3)  In Islam it is forbidden for man to demand Dowry from Women to become his bride as they both need each other for their self desire. so Y bride pay dowry to Groom (Pls let me know U Genunily did not demand for dowry)

4) It is the responsibily for the Man being as Husband to full fill all the need & requirement for his Wife (women) rather then women to go for earning to do the job for unnessary profissions.

5) Imagine both Father & Mother are going for the Job who gonna take care & give love to children like parents. is there any substitue to parent 

6) Islam has given the share in heirs for women along with men (ref.Chap.4, An Nisa, Ver.11, 32 -Quran)

7) "AND THOSE WHOE ACCUSE CHASTE WOMEN AND THEN DO NOT PRODUCE FOUR (4) WITNESSES-LASH THEM WITH EIGHTY LASHES AND DON'T ACCEPT FROM THEM TESTIMONY EVER AFTER" Ref.Chap.24 An Nur, Ver.4,- Holy Quran

Its an eye opener the above verses from Holy Quran how greatly protect the Women from men abuse and gives equal right to the Women even then if any body  say Islam does not gives "Eqaul Status to Women" it is his mistake to misjudge the teaching of Islam.

Further U can request your free copy/books/ leterature  about understanding Ilsam & status of  Women in Islam by clicking www.discoverislam.net

Hope done the answer to your questions.

Dear Sujit,

I not agree with U, please if you don't take me wrong did you like your wife or sister or mother to be public appear in undecient dress of coure being a noble person I aspect your answer "NO" Did you belief  "Ram" & "Sita" are the supportive of indecient topless/naked/nude dress for women.

We should not follow the way of life in our own way of thinking & imagination but we shoud spend our all aspect of life  submitting & surrenderance to the will of GOD. If you read Holy Book "The Quran" & The Hadith" it will guid every aspect of life to allmankind

So Muslim Women voulentary wear BURQA (viel) and appear decient dress when appear in public & Man to cover mini from Chest to Below knee in the guidline of the teaching of Quran reveald by GOD through his last messenger Prophet MOHMMED (PBUH) not only for MUSLIM but for ALL MANKIND.

SO it is up to each individual to choos & follow the correct way of life, if you donot abide with the holy scluptures to follow so you don't have right to impose your ideas to onse who abide Holu sclusptures

So dicide & not feel ashame to change your mind

i m with sarkozi..bcj mr. shahid wtever u said may be write bt did u ever try to ask those women in burqa or scarves ..that wether she wnts to wear them or not..what they feel in burqa ..r they dnt feel that they r from another planet whn they r surrounded with normal wearing women..look i m not against islam culture bt i m with people wether they r islaami , sikhs, hindu or n e thing else...i m with people or childs .. jinke dimag mai ye koot koot kar bhar dia jata hai ki ye pehnna hai ..ye odhna hai..ye hamara dharm hai ..ye hamare dharm ke rules hain inhain follow karna hi hai...islaam mai womens ko coverd rakha jata hai..unhai coverd rehna sikhaya jata hai...unse nahi poocha jata ki aapko ismai koi takleef to nahi hai..ya apko ismai kisi tarha ki koi ghutan to nahi hoti....to Shahid ye galat hai..sikhs ki hi baat le lijiey ..unke bachchon ke dilo dimag mai bhi ye baaten bhari jati hain ki kada ,pehn ne or ..pag rakhna compulsory hai...mai  jab bhi kisi sikh teen boy ko dekhti hu to mujhe hamesha khayal aata hai ki kya ye nahi chahta hoga apne hairstyles change karna..ya bina pagri ke rehna ...kahin use pagri mai hesitation to feel nahi hoti ..shayad chahta ho..bt unse poochta kaun hai..jinhone rules tode ..toot gaey...jo apne dil se ye sab nahi nikal paey...vo majboor ho kar or ghut kar reh gaey ..or apne apko ye keh kar or majboot dikha dia ki hum kattar hain ..dharmic hain.....to mere khyal se koi bhi dharm jo apno ko hi ghutan mai rehne ke liey ,,majboori mai rehne ke liey majboor karta hai ...to ye thk nahi hai..sarkozi ka statement sunkar ho sakta hai bahut si mahilaon ne chain ki saans li ho..kyunki ho sakta hai ki wo bhi intejar kar rahi hon ki ek din unhain is parde se aazadi milegi or vo bina burqe ke bhi paak saaf reh kar dikhaengi..lekin vo apni bhavnaon ko vyakt nahi kar saktin..kyunki islaam unhai abhivyakti ki swatantrta bhi nahi deta....haan ye baat alag hai ki jo womens apne aapko burqe main comfortable feel karne lagi hain un ke saath na peh ne ki koi jabardasti na ho..bt aane wali generation ko ya aaj ke yooths ko ..selection ki freedom to ho......jo unhai achca lagta hai vo karne ki aazadi to ho...b cj shahid ..jindgi sabhi ko sirf ek hi milti hai...chahe vo aadmi ho ya aaurat...or is ek jindgi ko bhi ghut ghut kar ya bandhno mai rehkar ..chup reh reh kar jine ke liey majbur karna .....kahan ka insaaf hai...to according to me waqt aa gaya hai in choti choti chijon ke bare mai fr se sochne ka...nyay krne ka ....mental level ko oopar utthane ka...

It is regret to to See Necolas's a French Presedent Comments against Burqa its really outrages and reflect his heatred towards popularity of Islam,so  how can he comment & decide himself about "Burqa" not a symbol of religion (Islam), when he is truly not known about his religion (Christaniti), it shows that He is a person who does not knew fully about his Religion, If he truly belief in Prophet Jesus (PBUH) & Marry (PBUH) he should have implement their decient dress code of conduct in his life & instruct his wife to be appear in Head Scarf & Burqa (Viel), My question to him is "Mary's" dress code for women is Head Scarf or top less/  nude ??? He should have Read and understand "Quran" or reffered with Islamic scholer B4 jumping to his foollish conclusion unilaterally against "Burqa". if he  study Holy book Engeel/Bible (God revealed on Prophed Jesus pbuh) there is dress code for women & mens which tells us to cover our body deciently and not  to women appear nudety & topless.

If he really supportive of womens can he dare to bring the law to eradicate Women prostitution or can he bring the law to give the death sentence for culprit of rapiest & illegal sex & exmarital sex, if he can't and he never so his comments is only to bow down to the lobby aginst Islam 

Hello Mr. Sham Sundar,

The tradition of covering head with sari is nowhere in Gujarat. It is in Rajasthan (or parts of Rajasthan). But you are correct in that part of fitting of blouse....

Mr. Makrand,

You are correct in your observation celebrating female beauty. But these thoughts are slightly away from subject. Of course, the subject line is so delicate that, one succumbs to temptation of diverting the subject.

Flaunting the female beauty and admiring it within the fine line of gracefulness is welcome. But, the subject here is exhibiting female bodies and selling mobiles. Celebrating female beauty is the last thing in mind of advertisers.

And the bigger question is using the example of nudity in advertisements, to pass the judgment on using Burqa.

I would oppose this point. No matter everybody has their own right to wear dress of their choice but that doesn't mean they will forget their social responsibility. No matter whatever they wear personally is their personal problem but in public, i.e, television, at least they should remember lot of small children watch that. It will create a negative impact on their mind. Moreover, its a tight slap on our Indian culture. We cannot be Westerners to sell our products in our country within our people.This is indirect exploitation of women

I agree with Ketan. Noboday can decide what one should wear. Traditional and ethnic wear is subject of choice that couldn't be taken as a law or social issue. One thing that every one should mind that what to wear and when to wear.....Rest everyone is smart enough

Using naked females for selling mobile....and compelling womenfolk to wear Burqa compulsarily.

Both are two different things, and both are wrong. These two unrelated facts can not be used to justify each other.

If you want to sell mobile, you should show Mobile naked, advertise it's good point and sell it. Showing naked bodies and selling mobiles is "not a fair business practice" and is wrong from point of "business ethics.

Compelling women to wear Burqa is an attack on personal freedom of woman and is wrong. Women should wear Burqa, only when she herself decides it.

Yes. People have the right to wear what they want. But they also need to be sensible enough to realize that they are going to be on national television. It could offend others. But in the end, the choice is entirely theirs.

It is the same mentallity...............which forces women to cover themself..........or forces them to follow the rule made by you or as per your wish.................either by covering or by exposing...............you r not the only son of god..............all r dear to god........let them decide what is good for them.........before changing the world..............you must get the consent/will of god.............

it is right to say that every indivisual has a right to live/dress at thier wish.but, comming to exposure point of view it is wrong to judge French Prez comments as it does not make any sense as if i am right, he hasn't asked any muslim women to expose herself without wearing burqua etc,.nation and national interests will bigger than anything including religion.these sensitive issues should be treated very carefully before making comments and creating a unhealthy debate/situation.comming to advertisement, if model herself is prepared for that job why to bother.today we are living in a very free world and trends/mindsets are changing like molecular reaction!! honestly speaking, i personnaly feel that there is no need to expose a women for the sake of advertisement.

I feel People should have the freedom to wear whatever they want, including the freedom to dress like a nun or wear a burqa.

A woman wearing burqa on a sultry afternoon embarrasses not only herself but also others.  Added to this is the color.  We all know that black absorbs sunlight and thus makes the wearer feel far more sultry.

My understanding is that Islam forbids woman to show a part of her upper face or forehead to any one other than her family.  Please correct me if I am wrong.  

If to achieve this purpose - a small part of the body to be covered - a woman is made to cover herself from head to toe - I will not be the one who would think this as an intelligent move.  

Again - if I am right, Gujarati women (all those women who have the tradition of covering their head through the saree (or sindoor!) have found a much better option.  They use their saree to cover head alright (but only occasionally) but their blouse is the best stiched amongst Indian woman.  Most of them give vent to their feeling as liberated woman through this freedom!  This I see as their way of balancing tradition and their desires.

I am not the right person to comment on religious beliefs but through my research on ageing processes, I happen to observe some of the reactions.  I believe that a human being can not be forced to do anything.  If s/he is forced against his/her wish, the response of the body is not good for his/her health.  That way, if there could be a change in the burqa tradition, I would be the first to welcome it.   

I agree tht everyone should have freedom to wear anythng and dress up as they like......as the world is progressing,so are the thoughts of people,so i believe it should be left to the person what he prefers to dress like......

People should have the freedom to wear whatever they want,but should use there common sense what there are wearing at what place...