Hijab — Page 36
36 In the Holy Qurān, Allah has described an incident of Hazrat Moses as that when he reached a place where several shepherds were tending their flocks at a well on the side of a pond, he sa two women who were sitting with their animals off to one side. He asked them as to what their business was there. To this the girls replied that they were waiting for the men to be done and then they would water their animals. Take note, as this was because of their (veil) and Haya (modesty) that these girls did not want to go amongst the men. Thus, it is wrong to say that there is no harm in rubbing shoulders with men or holding mixed gatherings and even segregation is pointless. This notion of men and women has always been there. Allah the Exalted has ingrained Haya (modesty) in a woman’s nature. An Ahmadi woman should cultivate and enhance it and excel in the concept of modesty more than ever before. We have been given very clear instructions by Allah the Exalted so every Ahmadi woman, Ahmadi youth and Ahmadi girl should focus on her Haya (modesty) and (veil), without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. ”(Address to Ladies, Annual Ijtimā‘ Lajna Ima’illah UK, November 20, 2005, Al-Fazl International, May 22, 2015) Considering Haya (modesty) and one’s dignity, and to practice the Qurānic commandment of Purda befits the stature of an Ahmadi woman. His Holiness Huzoor Anwar atba has reminded the members of the Jamā‘at repeatedly about this important responsibility. In one of the Friday Sermons, Huzoor Anwar atba stated, “The Promised Messiah as has said that there are seven hundred commandments. Thus, after embracing Ahmadiyyat, an Ahmadi should lead his life cautiously to avoid disobeying any of these. For example, there is the command of Haya (modesty). Women are specifically directed to observe Purda (veil). Men have also been instructed to observe Ghadd-e-Basar (lower their eyes) and demonstrate Haya (modesty). The directive of Purda for women is also meant to protect them from the immodest society and to uphold their Haya.