Durban - A Muslim law student and her family, who opened a criminal case against a Gauteng GP who allegedly swore at her and referred to her as a funeral undertaker for wearing a veil, have accepted his apology.
Faheema Ismail, 21, of Johannesburg, said that after her recent ordeal her uncle had contacted the doctor but he allegedly said there was nothing to talk about and hung up.
POST had contacted the doctor’s office several times but was told he was unavailable.
At the time, Ismail said all she wanted was an apology, which she got last week when the doctor visited her home.
“I sensed he was ashamed that he had to face me but he seemed remorseful and I accepted the apology.”
Relating the incident, she said her two cousins, neither of whom wear Islamic veils, had accompanied her to the doctor’s rooms.
“I have been going to the doctor for a few years but only started wearing a veil for about three months. On that day, we entered his office and I instantly felt uneasy."
She said that when she tried to speak to the doctor, he either ignored her or could not hear her, so she raised the face veil.
“He looked at me and said ‘Oh f*** it’s you. Do you want me to assault you?’ I was completely shocked. It was not the kind of reaction you get from anyone.”
Ismail said this led her to believe his problem was with her wearing a veil.
“I asked him what he had against women wearing niqabs and he said they are hypocritical. He didn’t explain further.”
She said the doctor allegedly told her that she looked like a funeral undertaker and was dressed like a black zozo (demon).
She said the doctor then got up and went to the consultation room.
While her back was facing the doctor, he allegedly pulled off the veil from her head and threw it on the floor before leaving his office.
“My 21-year-old cousin looked at me stunned and offered to pick up the scarf. He returned, took the scarf from her and said he would fist her as he walked toward her with a clenched fist.
“He took the veil to the inter-leading room and threw it in a box, which he used as a bin. By then, my cousin said she would not let him consult with her. She wanted to leave.”
Ismail said she plucked her veil out of the box, returned to the office and placed it on her lap while the doctor was in the consulting room with her niece.
She then gained the courage to put it back on her head.
The doctor, who returned with her cousin, then allegedly picked up the Qur’an he had in his office and commented that it did not state that a woman should dress the way she did.
“I told him that although the Qur’an did not give a direct verse, according to Islamic studies, adorning a face veil holds the status of obligations.”
She said that when she continued to voice her opinion, he repeatedly cut her off, putting up his hand, indicating she should stop.
Ismail said her cousins left and he walked after them.
“He then said to me, ‘you guys lead blingy lives’. We were dressed simply. I even had slippers on. When I asked what he meant, he said we ride in big cars and don't worry about the poor and we don't do anything for poor communities.”
She said that regardless of his demeaning attitude, she still said goodbye before leaving.
“That day, when I got home, I didn't say anything to my mother but she sensed something was wrong.
“She came to my bedroom where I was crying on my prayer mat. I told her what had happened and she said it was not something one could take lightly. She said it was a violation and called my father.”
She said her uncle then phoned the doctor.