Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 104
104 nature. These years are also a good time to introduce youngsters to the scheme of Al Wasiyyat and encourage participation as a further means of intensifying a connection to Allah Almighty. Modesty As stated before, modesty is a trait that must be instilled in children from a young age. By high school, both boys and girls should understand the Islamic principles of modesty and Purdah, and be practicing them. Frequently discuss the importance of restraining looks and engaging in reserved behaviors with the opposite gender, and emphasize the dangers of neglecting these instructions. As always, parents are the role models and it is the actions of both that determine the level of Hayaa in a home. It is important to remember that sons must be taught that modesty and Purdah applies just as much to them, as very often the emphasis on modesty is put on daughters only. Explain the Qur ’ anic command of “ restraining the eyes ” in the context of their daily life, e. g. to stay away from any kind of immodest and indecent conduct, using bad language, avoiding indecencies on television, Internet and social media, and to refrain from socializing and forming friendships with the opposite gender. Contact and interaction with classmates of the opposite gender should be limited to classroom activities only. Encourage daughters to maintain and strengthen their level of observance of Purdah at this stage and help them to understand why wearing an outer covering is an essential part of modesty. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (rh) has explained it thus: “ Some women say they do not need outer covering. This excuse is invalid and unacceptable. It is a fact that the veil of inner modesty does not last for long without outer covering. In such situations, a veil of modesty lasts for a while in one generation, but gradually it disappears and changes into