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Douglas Murray Challenges A Niqab-Wearing Activist: “In A Free Society, Other People's Opinions Have To Matter!” — But Her Response Sparks One Final Clash! The debate turns personal as Sahar Al-Faifi defends the niqab as an act of worship and personal freedom, while Murray argues that her choice should also take society's concerns into account. Sahar Al-Faifi: As British citizens, we understand British culture. We were raised in British schools, some of us went to university here, and we work here. But do you really understand Islamic culture? Yasmin Alibhai-Brown: You can't possibly understand British culture in the same way someone raised here does. My mother's generation was beaten, bullied, and burnt because they wanted to move away from these practices and be treated as equals. You're betraying that history. This country fought for women's rights, and now you've taken us back to the dark ages. Presenter: If wearing the niqab is absolutely fundamental and a necessity, why can some women remove it at an airport? Is it really negotiable? Shalina Litt: There are places where we should be able to exercise our rights. If this were a school playground, the bullies would be winning. The majority has the power to create a negative image of the niqab. I teach in schools, and I ask children: if a boy came to school wearing nail varnish and high heels, would you defend his right to dress that way, or tell him to change? I agree that in places like courtrooms and classrooms, there should be policies and procedures. But I'm proud to be British— Presenter: The question remains: if the niqab is a religious necessity, why can it be removed for a passport officer? And if it can be removed there, why not in a courtroom? Presenter: Sahar, why do young women in Britain choose to wear the niqab when women in Afghanistan are reportedly terrified of being forced to wear it? Sahar Al-Faifi: I started wearing the niqab at a young age after a long spiritual journey and research. I found that wearing it brought me closer to God. For me, it's an act of worship, modesty, and something liberating and dignifying. My mother and sister don't wear it. It's my personal choice. Douglas Murray: In a free society, other people's opinions have to matter too. It's not just about exercising your own choice. How other people feel about it should be of some concern to you. Sahar Al-Faifi: But those feelings come from negative prejudices and men's opinions— Presenter: You don't want men's opinions? Sahar Al-Faifi: I'm sorry— Presenter: We're going to have to end it there. As the only man here, I'm sorry you don't want to hear men's opinions. Thank you very much for joining us.