Islamic Teachings on Ideal Family Life — Page 51
~ 51 ~ being alone together behind closed doors. This is considered civilized behavior. To avoid such situations from arising, the Law-Giver of Isl ā m has forbidden all such behavior that might prove to be a temptation for anyone. It has been said that where a man and a woman, who are not related to each other within the prohibited degrees, meet privately, Satan is the third with them. Observe the harm that is being done in Europe in consequence of this kind of freedom. In certain parts of Europe, such freedom has led to a life of unrestricted indulgence. If security is desired against indulgence, there must be a system of safeguarding chastity; it is not enough to trust the natural modesty of men and women. How blessed is the Isl ā mic teaching, which, by keeping men and women apart, safeguards social life against unlawful indulgences and disruption of family life which has resulted in many civil wars and suicides in Europe. Some women of good families adopt the ways of prostitutes in consequence of the prevalent freedom. (Malf ūẓā t, Vol. V, p. 33) At another place he says, Requirements of the Isl ā mic System of Veil The Isl ā mic system of the veil does not require that women should be shut up as in a prison. The Holy Qur’ ā n directs that women should not display their beauty and should not gaze at strange men. Those women who may be under the necessity of going out of their homes may do so, but they must restrain their looks. (Malf ūẓā t, Vol. 1, p. 430)