Approaching the West — Page 175
A pproaching the West—175 In connection with the crime of adultery, the Holy Qur’ ā n makes it clear that such an accusation needs irrefutable evidence. At least four truthful eyewitnesses are required prior to imposing any punishment. False accusation of adultery against an innocent person is no less a serious crime. And those who calumniate chaste women but bring not four witnesses—flog them with eighty stripes, and never admit their evidence thereafter, and it is they that are the transgressors, except those who repent and make amends, for truly All ā h is Most Forgiving, Merciful. (24:5-6) The Holy Qur’ ā n goes a step further and details the necessary preventive measures to safeguard chastity and to prohibit committing sexual immorality. To do so, the Holy Qur’ ā n forbids covert or uninvited visitations and social mixings between the opposite sexes. Respect for the privacy of homes is required (24:28-30). Men and women are commanded to restrain their eyes and guard their chastity (24:31, 32). Women are required not to expose their charms to men (24:32). The institution of “Purdah”/ “ Ḥ ij ā b” is thus closely connected with the preventive measures against sinful situations that lead to destroy social and domestic peace. In addition, to prevent sexual misdemeanor, Isl ā m encourages the institution of marriage (4:4, 4:26). The Prophet of Isl ā m forbade celibacy, and said,