The Quest of a Curious Muslim

The Quest of a Curious Muslim — Page 40

WOMEN WHO DO NOT WEAR THE VEIL ARE TREATED 40 If a university, for instance, makes the rule that no students are allowed to smoke marijuana within its premises, it would not mean that it is discriminating against the students. It only means that certain types of behaviour are not being promoted within a university environment, despite the law allowing marijuana consumption elsewhere. Similarly, as far as the organization or nizam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at is concerned, certain things are expected from those members who hold important positions within the nizaam. This includes having a beard (for men), or having a hijab (for women), among other expectations. It may be argued that such outward appearances may have little bearing on a person’s spirituality, and seems to be a superficial way of determining a person’s faithfulness in his or her religion. However, this criticism is drawn from little reflection over the issue. As far as a person’s innermost connection with God is concerned, that is a matter between him/her and God. There is no way for anyone to determine it with absolute conviction. At the same time, it is also true that a person’s devotion in faith would mean that he is