Saliha Malik National Secretary Tarbiyat Purdah Saliha Malik National Secretary Tarbiyat

Call of the Khalifa aba: So today it behooves every Ahmadi woman that instead of being afraid of the people, while the seeds of hatred for Islam are being sewn in the world, while Islam is under attack from all sides, you should cry out loud and proclaim throughout the world that no matter how many hurdles it may place in our paths it can not wipe away these beautiful teachings from our faces, from our hearts, or from our actions. (Khutba Ijtema UK 11/19/06)

Purdah is part of the Shariah Law: (Long Commentary on 5:48) “For each of you We prescribed a clear spiritual Law.” 5:48 Shariah signifies the religious law of God, which is manifest & right (Lane) Shariah also means a way leading to water. God has equipped all His creatures with the means to find a way to the spring of spiritual water - Divine revelation. (Long Commentary on 5:48)

Purdah for both men & women ‘Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts’ 24:31 And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts, 24:32 The Holy Prophet saw said, ‘The fire is forbidden on the eye that is cast low instead of looking on that which Allah has forbidden’ (Khutba 1/30/04)

The Character of Islam is Modesty Men & women keep separate company in all Religious and social functions. Both men and women dress modestly and observe modest and respectful behavior towards each other – Hayaa The Holy Prophet saw was more modest than a virgin behind her veil

Purdah for women ‘There are so many attractive things about ladies, which necessitate the injunction concerning the exercise of caution on their part’ Khalifatul Masih IV rh Khutba 6/29/91 There are two levels of Purdah: One for out of the house; going to the mall, grocery shopping, running errands, traveling, coming to the mosque etc. One for inside the house when near relatives might come and go.

Holy Qur’an on Purdah for outside the house “O Prophet! tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they should draw close to them portions of their loose outer coverings. That is nearer that they may thus be distinguished and not molested. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.” 33:60

Hadhrat Musleh Maud rz Explains When they go out Muslim women are to wear an outer garment, which should cover their heads and bosoms in such a manner that the garment should come down from the head to the bosom covering the whole body including the face. (Long Commentary on 33:60)

The Holy Qur’an on Purdah, & for Inside the House “….And that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty….. And turn ye to Allah all together, O believers, that you may succeed” 24:32 This verse gives the basic guidelines on Purdah

Hadhrat Musleh Maud rz Explains: Verse 24:32 relates to Purdah inside the four walls of the house when near male relatives frequently come and go – e.g. cousins, brothers in law, sisters in law It is clear (from the words used in both these verses) that in the former case (33:60) the garment will cover the head, the face and the bosom while in the latter case (24:32) only the head and bosom will be covered and the face may remain uncovered. (Long Commentary on 24:32)

In Other Words Purdah out side the house should be more than purdah inside the house when near relatives are visiting. So that you may be: Recognized And not molested

Why Purdah of the Face? Once the Holy Prophet saw sent one of his companions to see the face of a particular woman whose marriage proposal was under consideration. If the instruction of Purdah did not pertain to the face, why did the Holy Prophet ask people to see the face of these ladies? (Hadhrat Musleh Maud rz Khutba 1/30/04)

Why Purdah of the Face? On one occasion when the Holy Prophet saw was in Itekaf, one night his wife Hadhrat Safia ra came to meet him. Later as he was escorting her back to her home, he saw two men coming from the opposite direction. He lifted her veil and told the men to see for themselves that it was only his wife Safia lest they fall victim to Satan and start entertaining ill thoughts about him. (Khutba 1/30/04)

Why Purdah of the Face? “The limits of Purdah are defined in much detail. Anyway the instruction to cover the face is very much there. Eyes and nose may be left open…” Khalifatul Masih V aba “The Holy Qur’an says ‘hide your beauty’ and the most significant part of the beauty is the face.” Hadhrat Mulseh Maud rz “The lawful Purdah is that you should make a sort of ring with the Chaaddur (shawl) to cover the head and the hair covering up the forehead and the chin, and cover up every place of your beauty” For example, the covering on the face should be such that only the eyes and the nose should be open. Promised Messiah as Extracts from Khutba 1/30/04

What about the workplace? The commandment with regard to Purdah within the four walls of the house will also apply to shops, fields etc where women of certain sections of the Muslim society have to work to earn their living. There a woman will not be required to veil her face. She will have only to restrain her eyes and to cover her ornaments and other embellishments, as women within the house have to do when their relatives visit them. (Hadhrat Musleh Maudrz Long Commentary on 24:32)

Purdah for the workplace If she is permitted to work while wearing a long coat and a scarf on her head, then she may accept the employment, otherwise she is not permitted to work there. (Khutba 1/30/04) Huzur aba has described a Minimum Purdah: The scarf should cover the hair And be close under the chin neatly secured. Together with a loose outer garment (See Khutba Hayaa, 8/23/08 ‘Some girls argue’ workbook pg 107)

Purdah in Different Countries ‘Purdah’ according to the Shariah, that is proven from the Holy Qur’an, is that a woman’s hair, neck and face up to the front of her ears should be covered. This instruction can be adopted in different countries according to the local dress and circumstances. Hadhrat Musleh Maud rz Khutba 1/30/04

Do we need to observe Purdah in USA? Purdah can be adapted to suit the needs of different activities – the workplace, riding a bike and other exercise, gardening etc, so long as the minimum requirements are kept in view. However, the same standards of purdah are required of every Ahmadi lady whether she is from Germany or any other western nation, Pakistan or Asia or Africa or …..USA (See Khutba Hayaa, 8/23/08, workbook page 107)

Sexual Assault in USA Every two minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted. Age 12 – 34 are the highest risk years. Risk peaks in the late teens: girls 16 – 19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault 2000 NCVS

Outer covering / inner Hayaa Some women present the excuse that if they are obligated to observe the veil of inner modesty therefore they do not need the outer covering. The fact is that the veil of inner modesty does not last for long without outer covering. In such a situation the mere veil of modesty lasts for a while in one generation, but gradually disappears and changes completely into shamelessness: and this immorality is more dangerous than before. Khalifatul Masih IV rh Daughters of Eve, One Nation 9/8/90

The Role Models: Every Ahmadi Lady is a role model and sets an example for every Ahmadi girl. ‘Let me impress upon the Jama’at administration … there should be no woman office bearer who does not observe Purdah’ (Khutba Ijtema 11/19/06)

Purdah Changes Behavior “And they strike not their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known.” 24:32 Your walk should be so dignified that no one dare to look at you lustfully. When you are in Purdah, and in proper Purdah, and you are also dignified in your manners, no one would dare cast a lustful glance at you. Khalifatul Masih V aba, Khutba 1/30/04

Purdah Changes Behavior “Oh wives of the prophet, you are not like any other women if you are righteous. So be not soft in speech lest he in whose heart is a disease should be tempted: and speak a decent speech.” 33:33

Purdah Changes Behavior “…And that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty” What does this phrase mean to you?

Zeenat- Loveliness through Taqwa “…And that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof…” 24:32 Except that of the beauty, which becomes apparent by itself and none can hide it. Except the qualities of divine beauty in you, which spring forth and fill the world with their fragrance. (Khalifatul Masih IVrh, Khutba 6/29/91)

Observing Purdah Benefits - The Individual – Obedient to Allah & His messenger Is truthful to her pledge Strengthens in prayerfulness and Taqwa Practices modesty, chastity & Hayaa Evolves in dignity, integrity & self worth Gains strength and confidence Becomes more mindful of her values & inner peace Practices self-sacrifice to come close to Allah

Observing Purdah Benefits The Community – Purdah and Khilafat are two important subjects dealt with in Surah Al Nur Allah promises Peace & Security under Khilafat - for those who obey the Messenger Promised Messiahas said, “Your girls are the foundation stone of the building of Ahmadiyyat”. They will continue to teach the true Islam through their own tarbiyat. (Khutba Ijtema UK 10/4/09)

Observing Purdah Benefits The Society – Scandal Mongering and Adultery are two destructive elements of society dealt with in Surah Al Nur. Purdah has been established as a safeguard against these, and for the improvement and preservation of national morals (Intro Surah al Nur) ‘It is also essential for the sake of conveying the message of Islam & Ahmadiyyat to the people’ (Khutba Hayaa 8/23/08)

You will be liberated and you will have the power to liberate others. Turn to God. Be Godly. Be armed with Taqwa and get attired in the most beautiful garment of Taqwa and all the rest will be plain sailing. You will be liberated and you will have the power to liberate others. Submit yourself to Allah with love. (Khalifatul Masih IV rh Khutba 6/29/91)

What changes will you make in your Purdah and Hayaa to come closer to Allah and His Messenger from now on?