Why close it?  There are always new people coming with new and interesting things to say. 

W.S., yes I read her initial post, although that was a couple of months ago, I think.

Irshad Manji's ideas should be discussed in a separate threat. I just finished reading here 2004 book. Very impressive.

What exactly lies within the scope of the 'basic meanings of the Quran'? But that might be a different discussion too.

I agree with Abu Loren, this thread is about the hijab. But it shouldn't be closed.

Assalamalaikum...
Agreed with nausheen., i am a graduate engineer working for a govt co. in electrical field. apart from office work i'l happen to go out at site (power stations)and examine the work, troubleshoot the electrical system faults etc. and under such circumstances i really feel so very comfortable about myself, my attire clad in burqa, that i can do all the work with much ease(even if at times i have to climb upon a 150MVA power transformer) as compared to my other female counterparts who are without burqa. for a girl to protect herself from the gaze of non-marhams, the most perfect dress that she can wear is burqa. now my non- muslim friends too say that it is the best thing what i wear and one of my colleagues has also adopted the habit of wearing a scarf outside, what ever personal reason she has. In Islam, a girl is given all the freedom, but she should knw her boundaries and stay within. then it is healthy for both the sexes to protect their chastity.

Dear Mattbrowne, nausheen is the one who has started this thread