I agree with some of the thing you said but I must say about the ‘hijab’ thing – I wonder why any sane person does not understand that it is absolute violation of human rights. See things like these are what I consider illogical, therefore if someone tries to defend it then I would obviously think that the person is not thinking logically. Hijab or veil is basically defending those males who could not control their urges on seeing a women’s body/face or even eyes. Why should a woman cover herself instead the man himself trying to control his urges? As you go to countries where veil is prevalent you will see more of eve teasing i.e. disrespect for women. I am living in USA for so many years and yet I have never heard a single vulgar comment or spotted anyone looking at me with lurk. It is like more you hide, more it is suppressed and it comes out in bad way. I feel most of the religion had their share of renaissance at some point of time. It is high time for Islam to get one for itself. In today’s world the main criteria for survival is ‘change’. Stagnation does not help. Of course there are very beautiful examples to combine good old tradition with modernity and change for good. Resistance to change will not take one anywhere. Try to listen to some critique with open mind as a human being who wants everybody on same footing…even women! (guess what we usually miss that part of human civilization). Things will change only if you decide to change.