Hijab — Page 45
45 An appealing wisdom behind the Islamic commandment of Purda is to uphold and maintain the honour of a woman. In reference to this, Huzoor Anwar atba gave advice to Ahmadi women and said, “Now I want to draw your attention, as I have done before, towards Allah’s commandment that has been given to women, to raise their status and honour. Some discourses and letters suggest that I draw attention towards this matter with severity, or I am more inclined to harshness, even though I am just saying what Allah, His Prophet sa and the Promised Messiah as have commanded. The Promised Messiah as has said that Purda certainly does not aim to put a woman in captivity, but the conditions of Purda must be kept in consideration. The way the society is going astray gradually, and as in certain matters the distinction between right and wrong has diminished completely, Ahmadi women are called upon to establish their examples. And they should tell society that Allah’s command of Purda is for elevating their status and not for putting them into any hardship. The commandment of Purda, although given to women, stands for men too. They have been directed to be mindful and avoid staring at women unnecessarily. ” In the same address, Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīh V atba advised men and women and further said, “Believing men have been commanded to lower their eyes and not to stare at women with a fixed gaze. Furthermore, there is no excuse to look at strangers without reason. But generally, in society, a woman should also try not to allow such situations to arise which attract attention towards her in a manner that can later result in (illicit) friendships. Observance of Purda will be very helpful in this regard. ”(Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana U. K. , July 31, 2004, Al-Fazl International, April 24, 2015) The Holy Qurān very clearly explains how to practice Purda and from whom it should be observed. In this context, Huzoor Anwar atba said in one of his addresses: