In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Islamic Rulings of Purdah (In the light of Quran and Hadith)

Prohibition of Lustful Glances

”Hadhrat Buraidah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to Hadhrat ‘Ali رضي الله عنه: O ‘Ali! Do not follow one glance with another, for the first glance is forgiven for you, but the second is not forgiven.“ (Jami at-Tirmidhi, Sunan an-Nasai, Sunan Ibn Majah)

”Hadhrat Jabir رضي الله عنه asked: What should I do if my gaze falls suddenly? He ﷺ replied: Turn it away immediately.“ (Sunan Abu Dawud)

Purdah of the Voice

”In congregational Salah, if the Imam makes a mistake or needs to be alerted to something, men are instructed to say ‘Subhan Allah’, whereas women are directed only to clap (tap) and not speak verbally.“ (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sunan Abu Dawud)

This Hadith is particularly relevant for those women who record Na‘at on television or cassettes. It is indeed a matter of regret that the very one whose praise is being recited ﷺ has himself instructed otherwise. Another social ill is the interaction between men and women over the telephone, where people, in pursuit of personal desires, neglect the commands of Allah. Remember: time passes whether one fulfills the desires of the self or fulfills the commands of Allah; however, following the desires of the self leads to the punishment of the grave and Jahannam if repentance is not made. Our responsibility is only to convey. As Baba Farid رحمه الله said: “Whoever acts shall bear its consequence; why then wander in grief?”

Immodest and Revealing Dress

”The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Women who are clothed yet appear naked, who attract others and are themselves attracted, and who walk with swaying necks like Bactrian camels, will not enter Jannah nor even perceive its fragrance.“ (Sahih Muslim)

In our society, a vast majority of women have abandoned even the dupatta, let alone the burqa or chadar, considering it an unnecessary burden. Purdah is observed near the home or in the street, yet as soon as distance increases, it is abandoned. Did Islam teach purdah only from one’s own family? Today many women fulfill every wrong practice under the label of fashion. Remember: fashion often means drifting with the majority. A boat that abandons control and moves with the current will inevitably fall into a waterfall and be destroyed, whereas the one that moves with purpose toward its destination reaches it safely. Blind imitation of others is like a boat flowing toward the dreadful pit of Jahannam. Today, those in positions of authority, in blind imitation of the West, are steering the entire nation toward immodesty. For the sake of temporary power, they are leading society toward widespread moral ruin.

وَاعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِيْرٌ۝
Transliteration: Wa‘lamū anna Allāha bimā ta‘malūna baṣīr
Translation: “And know that Allah is All-Seeing of whatever you do.” (البقرہ ۔ ۲۳۳)