Flowers for the Women Wearing Veils - Volume II — Page 177
177 The Tendency towards Immodesty Ha z rat Khalifat - ul - Masih II ra said: “We do not say that thos e who have not been observing purdah from the beginning s hould start doing so in a day. Bu t we don’t wish new customs and traditions to be introduced in the name of Islam and as a reaction to strict purdah , that women completely b reak away from purdah. The people who have abandoned purdah some time ago , should first be gradually made to understand the benefits of purdah and be told th at there is much wisdom behind God’s commandments. However, those people who are encouraging immodesty in their homes just for the sake of worldly promotion and maintaining their false status in privileged circles are most definitely not presenting a good example by this conduct. I notic e that immodesty is especially on the rise among t he ranks of military officers. One day a woman comes observing proper purdah , but the next day the purdah suddenly disappears. W hen asked , the reply is , ‘ I t was a question of my husband’s promotion, so I abandoned my purdah. ’ E ven though it is exceedingly despicable to make a wom an an instrument of promotion. I would like to caution women especially and men in general and ask them, ‘ Why do you consider purdah to be a barrier to the path of your progress?’ Europeans of fer only two objections to it. Firstly, that health cannot be maintained in a burqa , and secondly education cannot be attained. We have proven both these objections to be wrong. Despite observing purdah , our ladies are attaining higher education and purdah has had no ill effect on their health. ” The True Root of Religion is Love for God and His Prophet sa Along with this, I would like to further add that whenever our friends observe this weakness [non - observance of purdah ], they should tackle it with love, ingenuity , and wisdom. The n on - observance of purdah is generally common among upper class peop le and high - ranking officers. These people already consider themselves as high ranking and hence are prone to stumble even at the slightest setback. Therefore, try to remove this wea kness with love and affection. Do not be harsh. If you are [ abrasive ], then whatever little association they have with Islam will be lost. Always remember that the