Hijab — Page 81
81 corrupted. It pains them to witness Islam in its original form and they wish it to be debased as well. The Holy Qurān claims that it has always been safeguarded and its injunctions are for all times to come and Allah will always keep it in His protection. This is not tolerable to anti-Islamic elements. Therefore, they try to damage it and will continue doing so. When the Holy Qurān has clearly directed women to dress modestly and has given the commandment to observe Purda (the veil), then those actions which are contrary to these commandments – such as wearing a scarf is not required, long and loose clothing is not required, and covering beauty is not required – such talk gives rise to corruption of religion. It is also incorrect for men and women to stand together while offering Salāt. Allah’s directive of segregation leaves no room for disobedience under the influence of the objections raised by anti-Islamic forces. A worldly person, whose religious eye is blind can never know the significance of religious commandments. Once a political leader came here to visit me. He asked, ‘will a time come when men and women will offer Salāt together at the same place in the mosque?’ I told him that this has already happened, a long time ago. In the time of the Holy Prophet sa , Salāt was organized at the same place, in such a manner that men stood in the front rows and women stood in the rows behind. Even now, the same can be done when needed. Now women have created separate areas for themselves for convenience, so that they can freely offer Salāt. This also gives them the freedom to take off their head coverings and remove their Chadors (outer covering), if they wish to; although not during Salāt, but for the rest of the event or other functions. I explained to him that all men are different from each other in their thinking. If women are standing in the front rows or in mixed rows, there may be some men who might only be glancing at the