The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 4) — Page 334
children reach their maturity they should also observe the regulations in regard to "purdah. " The strict observance of these Quranic rules and regulations is essential for the moral well-being of the Muslim society. Regulations about "purdah" apply only to young women of marriageable age. Old women who have no desire for marriage can, if they so choose, enjoy relaxation, but even they are not allowed to display their adornments to strangers. But the observance of these rules should not be allowed to stand in the way of relatives visiting each other and dining together, but those who are not closely related are not to go to other people's houses without being invited. Next to family organization, and even more important than this, is the social organization of a people and the Sūrah has not neglected to lay down requisite rules for the smooth and successful conduct of national affairs. One important regulation to be strictly observed in this connection is that when Muslims meet in an assembly to transact a business of national importance no one should leave it without the permission of the Imām or the Leader. The Surah ends on a note of encouragement to Muslims that God being the Master of all that is in the heavens and the earth and having full knowledge of man's moral needs and requirements has laid down rules and regulations which, if carried into effect, are calculated certainly to win for them the support of other men and of the laws of nature. 2248