THERE is a defiant tilt to Rukhsana Ahmed's chin when she talks about her religion. Muslim women are definitely not second class citizens" she says. She abhors the term. She is an Irish woman who says she converted to Islam by choice and not just because she married a Muslim.
"The problem is a lack of understanding. They always think that we do it for the man." There has been no real difference in her lifestyle since she converted, she says. Her world centres on her family, but she says she would be free to work.
It is compulsory for Muslim women to cover their hair outside the home. "I find that more people have difficulties with me wearing the scarf than I do." It is one of the most obvious signs of her religion, but one of the least important, she says.
There are no huge differences between her lifestyle and that of other married members of her family, she says.
Sitting in the staff room of the Muslim National School in Clonskeagh, her friends Zaineb Heaney and Aisha Beldi nod in agreement. Zaineb became a Muslim when she was 16. She married a Muslim at the age of 18 and now, at 23, she is divorced with two children.
Her family has come to terms with her diet and dress. "At the time when I converted it was hassle, the scarf and the meat, but not now." The scarf is "the first thing that hits them in the face," she says.
Aisha converted six years ago after a number of years married to an Algerian. She went to the women's study group in the Dublin mosque to learn about the Qur'an.
All three women are involved in the Muslim National School. They are looking forward to the opening of the mosque and cultural centre. When they worship at the mosque they will be separated from their husbands, as men and women are not permitted to pray together.
Rukhsana believes the mosque will be a tourist attraction as well as a centre of worship.
The image of submissive Muslim women is not without foundation. Muhammad O'Curnain of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland says the various cultures have interpreted the Qur'an harshly in terms of women.
There is much to interpret. "Men are the managers of the affairs of women," the Qur'an says. "Righteous women are therefore obedient ... And those you fear may be rebellious, admonish; banish them to their couches, and beat them. If they then obey you, look not for any way against
However the Qur'an can be quoted as selectively as the Old Testament. In theory Islam regards men and women as equal before God, and as "created of a single soul". Socially women have different roles. In law their testimony counts for less than men. In strict Muslim societies women are confined to the home.