Donald Trump has just returned from a visit to the United Arab Emirates. His reception in Abu Dhabi drew major attention—not just for its celebratory character, but for how people responded to it. During the ceremony, little girls in traditional dress waved their hair back and forth. This act was part of a cultural performance to welcome him. However, it drew strong criticism online, especially from many Muslims.
The dance is related to Al-Ayyala, a traditional Gulf Arab heritage dance. People usually perform it during national events or to honour respected guests. However, this performance raised concern and discomfort.
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Islam places a clear focus on modesty, especially in public displays involving women or girls. One major concern among the people was the exposure of hair. In Islamic teachings, a woman’s hair is part of her awrah and must not be shown to non-mahram men, let alone flipped to please one. For many Muslims, watching young girls perform uncovered in front of a male foreign guest felt inappropriate. Some compared it to pre-Islamic tribal customs, during the era of ignorance, not a reflection of Islamic values.
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One reaction summed it up well: “This wasn’t just about a dance. It was about image, values, and what’s being prioritised in the name of hospitality.”
While the President of the United States may have ‘loved’ the welcome, it leaves many Muslims around the world questioning: Are we returning to an era of ignorance from which we were once delivered? Has success, wealth, and luxury had no positive effect on us? Have we, as Muslims, reached a point where we are willing to compromise our values just to appease our Western counterparts?
So, what’s next?
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