Hijab — Page 16
16 This instruction– to lower the gaze– is, therefore, already in place for men, and if men fulfill this injunction, many of the ills are eliminated at this point. The Promised Messiah as states: ‘Every righteous person who wants to keep his heart pure should not let his eyes wander unrestrained like animals; rather, it is imperative for him to develop the habit of Ghadd-e-Basar in his social life. It is this blessed habit that would convert his natural impulses into a high moral quality’ (Report Jalsa Azam Mazahib, pp. 102-103, qtd. in Tafsir Hazrat Masīh Mau‘ūd as Vol. 3, p. 444). Then there is the injunction for believing women to observe Ghadd- e-Basar and keep their eyes lowered. If women walk with their eyes wide open and unrestrained, then such men whose hearts are under the influence of Satan will continue creating problems for them. It is necessary for all women to obey the instruction of Allah the Almighty regarding Ghadd-e-Basar in order to save themselves and their families from any dishonour; so that they do not become a source of dishonour. Men who are crooked and mischievous will sometimes take a minor matter and blow it out of proportion, which unnecessarily starts comments and criticisms [by people]. This is why the Holy Prophet sa instructed his wives to observe Purda even from a eunuch to avoid the possibility that he may talk to other men about them and spread indecency. Look at how strictly the Holy Prophet sa has imposed this commandment. Far from staring directly into a young man’s eye whose inner state is unknown, it is even instructed that if it does become unavoidable to speak to a man, a woman should use a stern tone so that he may not entertain any evil thoughts. Thus, there are instructions to be so strict in observance of the Purda.