Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 163
163 1 ِ ء ٓ النِّسَا اَلرِّجَالُ قَوّٰمُوْنَ عَلَى Men are guardians over women. In the same way, the influence that kings have on their subjects is unavoidable. In the Sikh reign, they would wear turbans and this custom has continued even today within various states. When people would meet one another, everyone would say: ‘This person is a Sikh’. Similarly, even in this period of rule, the Empire has had an influence on its sub- jects. Observe the people’s manner of dress alone. Everyone feels a sense of pride in wearing British-styled clothing—a coat and trousers. There are some who even wear British-styled hats. The government does not encourage this in any way, nor are official orders given that people must wear this clothing, and yet there is an ever-increasing interest that naturally grows within the people. Despite the large number of people who do not see this change of dressing style in a positive light and who strive in their own way to stop this growing trend, nothing can be done—this is an ocean that just continues to flow forth and can- not be stopped. Along with western education, the dressing style of the English is also on the rise. This is to such an extent that even when people visit the barber, they prefer the style and fashion that is prevalent among the British. Why is this the case? Only because: ْ ِھِم ك اَلنَّاس ُ عَلٰی دِیْن ِ مُلُوْ The people follow the way of their kings. Do not think that dressing style is the only change that is on the rise. Nay, this manner in itself is a dangerous shift that will encourage many other trends as well. After English clothing is adopted, the character of English gatherings will also flourish, and this is happening even now. Christianity has not forbidden alcohol, and segregation of men and women is deemed unnecessary; gambling is also not prohibited, and then there is no distinction between foods that are permissible or impermissible. Hence, the inevitable consequence of this freedom is that people have begun to overstep the bounds within which true religion seeks to keep hu- man beings. Alcohol is intrinsic to English-style gatherings. A gathering without alcohol is looked upon with contempt, as it were. Hence, how can those who are fond of British style and fashion ever accept to remain within the limits of reli- 1 an-Nisa, 4:35