Woman in Islam — Page 30
30 The directions set out above are designed to secure the highest standards of good behaviour for men and women, and that they should comport themselves with dignity and self restraint in all situations, Sobriety, modesty and purity are to be the hall-marks of Islamic society. Free and unrestrained intermixing of the sexes is barred. A certain degree of decorum is required both of men and women. The fair sex is to be shielded against all risks of molestation; as is ordained: “O Prophet, direct thy wives and daughters and the women of the believers that when they go out, they should pull down their outer cloaks from their heads over their faces. This will make it possible for them to be distinguished, so that they will not be molested. Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful. ” (33:60). Unrestricted and unregulated association of men and women, and the women’s decking themselves out for the set purpose of attracting men has become the bane of Western society, so that all considerations of modesty and decent deportment have been cast aside and all the old, prized values have fallen into contempt and are ridiculed. It is a matter of great concern that a section of Western oriented Muslims have not been able to resist this suicidal trend that prevails in the West. It is devoutly to be hoped that the dangers inherent in this line of thinking and conduct will soon be recognized, and the beneficence of Islamic values being appreciated will be more strictly adhered to.