Hijab — Page 137
137 that someone is pointing a finger at you because of Purda. Maintain your identity. I have observed in Africa where clothing was not customary, they donned clothes and wore fully covered clothes, and some of them also observe Purda. A few have even started wearing the Niqab (face covering). Here too, we have African-American sisters who are mostly visiting from the USA and some of them have such a high standard of Purda that it is worth being followed. It is exemplary. In fact, yesterday I told them in a meeting that ‘It seems that you are the ones who will establish examples of Purda for the Pakistanis or for those who are coming from India. The way they laughed and said ‘Yes, it will be so’ had me even more concerned that the examples of the lack of Purda being set by the older Ahmadis are indeed being witnessed by the new Ahmadis; this is why they responded in this manner. . . Let me also tell you that younger girls will not observe Purda until you set your own examples before them; until the mothers set their own examples before them. Thus, if you want to become the best assets for the Jamā‘at—and bring yourself and your children under the protection of Allah the Almighty by following His commandments; make Him your Guardian and Friend; want to see the blessings of Allah the Almighty being showered upon you; want to save your sons and daughters from the filth of this society— then you will also have to observe this commandment of Allah the Almighty. May Allah enable you all to do so and may you establish (exemplary) models in everything Allah the Almighty has commanded us. ” (Address to Ladies at Jalsa Salana Canada held on June 25, 2005, Al-Fazl International, March 2, 2007) Highlighting the important aspect of maintaining a sense of Haya, Huzoor Anwar atba said: “I will give an example for the women too. Purda and Haya is a state which once discarded will go beyond limits. I have come to know