Chief of the Prophets — Page 150
Chapter Seven 150 during the times of Muḥammad sa used to attend educational gatherings. They learned matters from other people and taught them as well while observing modest covering. They went with men on journeys and rode too. They watched entertaining shows. They participated in wars and provided first aid to the wounded. Thus, according to the Islamic teachings, women are neither forced to lead a life of captivity, nor are they left completely exposed as in Western society. Promised Messiah as says: These days, the observance of modesty ( purdah ) is attacked, but these people do not know that the Islamic observance of modesty does not mean imprisonment; rather, it is a form of barrier so that an unacquainted man and woman do not look at each other. When there would be observance of modesty, they would be saved from temptation. A fair-minded person will appreciate that the free mixing of men and women and their going about together would expose them to the risk of succumbing to the flare of their emotions. It has been observed that some people see no harm in a man and woman being alone together behind closed doors and consider it civilized behavior. To avoid such untoward situations from arising, the Lawgiver of Islam has forbidden all such acts as might prove to be a temptation for anyone. (Malfūẓāt, vol. 5, p. 33) He further says: Islamic modesty does not mean that a woman is confined as if she is imprisoned. The Qur’ān intends that women cover their private parts, and not look at other men. The women who need to go out for cultural reasons are not barred from leaving their homes. They can certainly go, but the observance of modesty is a must. (Malfūẓāt, vol. 1, p. 430)