Pardah - Lajna · oThe Holy Qur’an is our first and foremost go-to for obtaining the oIt is a guide that contains complete and perfect instructions for what is and isn’t allowed

It’s Personal!

My PardahIt’s Personal!

By Sumaira

It’s Personal!

My PardahIt’s Personal!

Sumaira Hayat

oThe Holy Qur’an is our first and foremost go-to for obtaining the

o It is a guide that contains complete and perfect instructions for what is and isn’t allowed for the true

1st Guide…

instructions for what is and isn’t allowed for the true believers of Islam and servants of Allah the Almighty.

o Every Ahmadi girl should make her best effort to first read the Qur’an & particularly the next Surah that I am about to quote as they embark on this spiritual journey, towards performing better

Girl in scarf picture courtesy of

The Holy Qur’an is our first and foremost to for obtaining the Word of God.

It is a guide that contains complete and perfect instructions for what is and isn’t allowed for the true instructions for what is and isn’t allowed for the true believers of Islam and servants of Allah the Almighty.

girl should make her best effort to first read the Qur’an & that I am about to quote as they embark on this

spiritual journey, towards performing better Pardah

Girl in scarf picture courtesy of poringpang / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

o Surah Al Nur, Chapter 24, Verses 31

o Arabic

Pardah in the Holy Qur’an

See: http://www.alislam.org/quran/tafseer/?page=717&region=EN&CR=

Surah Al Nur, Chapter 24, Verses 31-32


http://www.alislam.org/quran/tafseer/?page=717&region=EN&CR=

o Surah Al Nur, Chapter 24, Verses 31

o English Translation


31. Say to the believing men that they restrain their looksparts.2043AThat is purer for them. Surely, Allā

32. And say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private 32. And say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts, and that they display not their beauty or their embellishmentapparent thereof, and that they draw their headthey display not their beauty or their embellishment fathers, or the fathers of their husbands, or their sons, or the sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or the sons of their brothers, or the sons of their sisters, or women are their companions,2043B or those that their right hands possess, or such of male attendants as have no desire for women, or young children who have not knowledge of the hidden parts of women. And that they strike not their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known. And turn ye to Allbelievers, that you may prosper.2044

See: http://www.alislam.org/quran/tafseer/?page=717&region=EN&CR=

Surah Al Nur, Chapter 24, Verses 31-32


Say to the believing men that they restrain their looks2043 and guard their private āh is Well-Aware of what they do.

And say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private And say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private or their embellishment except that which is

apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that or their embellishment save to their husbands, or to their

fathers, or the fathers of their husbands, or their sons, or the sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or the sons of their brothers, or the sons of their sisters, or women who

or those that their right hands possess, or such of male attendants as have no desire for women, or young children who have not yet attained knowledge of the hidden parts of women. And that they strike not their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known. And turn ye to Allāh all together. O

http://www.alislam.org/quran/tafseer/?page=717&region=EN&CR=

oAfter Allah Tallah an Ahmadiinclined next to the words of our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad saw.

o At this point we look to Ahadith

2nd Guide…

o At this point we look to Ahadithfor us through his words, actions and approval of others actions (in this case, mainly his wives).

o If you can read the “7 Authentic Books” of Ahadith

o If not then, don’t worry, we have some English translations for you to read and understand.

o The link for 2 of these Ahadith books are: http://www.alislam.org/urdu/bukhari/ &

o This is also a must read (if you can read Urdu): http://www.alislam.org/library/books/hadeeqa/hadeeqa.pdf

Ahmadi Muslim is instantly inclined next to the words of our beloved Holy

to find out what examples he has set to find out what examples he has set for us through his words, actions and approval of others actions (in

Ahadith in Arabic or Urdu then Fantastic!

If not then, don’t worry, we have some English translations for you to read and understand.

& http://www.alislam.org/urdu/muslim/

This is also a must read (if you can read Urdu): http://www.alislam.org/library/books/hadeeqa/hadeeqa.pdf

Ahadith on Pardah

See: http://www.alislam.org/library/books/GardensRighteous.pdf

Ahadith on Pardah

http://www.alislam.org/library/books/GardensRighteous.pdf

Ahadith on Pardah


Ahadith on Pardah


Ahadith on Pardah


Ahadith on Pardah


Ahadith on Pardah


Ahadith on Pardah


oNext we turn to the Promised Messiah (as) and our dear Khulafa

o In this modern day and age it is these guides that we can most

3rd Guide…

o In this modern day and age it is these guides that we can most closely relate to often they shed light on tackling some difficult challenges!

Next we turn to the Promised Messiah (as) and

In this modern day and age it is these guides that we can most In this modern day and age it is these guides that we can most closely relate to often they shed light on tackling some difficult

o VI condition of Ba’it

That he/she shall refrain from following uninclinations and shall completely submit himself/herself to the authority of

Conditions of Hazrat Masih

inclinations and shall completely submit himself/herself to the authority of the Holy Qur’ an; and that he/she shall make the Word of God and the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsaw his/ her guiding principles in every walk

of his/her life.

See: http://www.alislam.org/library/browse/book/Conditions_of_Bai'at_and_Responsibilities_of_an_Ahmadi/?l=English&_escaped_fragmen

That he/she shall refrain from following un-Islamic customs and lustful inclinations and shall completely submit himself/herself to the authority of

Conditions of Ba’ait –Masih-e-Maudas

inclinations and shall completely submit himself/herself to the authority of an; and that he/she shall make the Word of God and the sayings

his/ her guiding principles in every walk of his/her life.

http://www.alislam.org/library/browse/book/Conditions_of_Bai'at_and_Responsibilities_of_an_Ahmadi/?l=English&_escaped_fragment_=page/103

Elaborating on the VI condition of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

o“The Promised Messiahas admonishes us not to follow the un-Islamic customs that people have added to their faith because of the influence of the society in which they live. These customs have been adopted from other religions.”

o“These days, you are living in Western societies that have many customs and rituals of their own which can create distance between you and your religion and that can diminish the beauty of Islamic teachings for you. The lustre of worldliness is farattractive; therefore, there is need for great caution at every step. Instead of adopting their wrong customs, we must presenbeautiful teachings of Islam.”

See: http://www.alislam.org/library/browse/book/Conditions_of_Bai'at_and_Responsibilities_of_an_Ahmadi/?l=English&_escaped_fragmen

beautiful teachings of Islam.”

o“Each Ahmadi should possess such a strong character that Western culture should have no effect on him/her whatsoever. For instance, women are enjoined to observe pardah [the veil] according to Islamic teachings. It is in the interest of a woman’s integrity that she attains a prominent status in society due to the fact that she observes Islamic willingly and she herself tells others the benefits of this Islamic injunction, it will have a far greater impact on others as compared to men who propagate the advantage of pardah in this society. Those women who tabligh due to their unique prominence in society. This matter requires great attention.”

o“There exist many other social evils in Western society. To adopt them merely because we live in this society and we feel compelled to do so is, indeed, a worrisome situation.”

Elaborating on the VI condition of Ba’ait, Masih V (aba) explains….

Islamic customs that people have added to their faith because of the influence of the society in which they live. These customs have been adopted from other religions.”

“These days, you are living in Western societies that have many customs and rituals of their own which can create distance between you and your religion and that can diminish the beauty of Islamic teachings for you. The lustre of worldliness is far more attractive; therefore, there is need for great caution at every step. Instead of adopting their wrong customs, we must present the

http://www.alislam.org/library/browse/book/Conditions_of_Bai'at_and_Responsibilities_of_an_Ahmadi/?l=English&_escaped_fragment_=page/103

should possess such a strong character that Western culture should have no effect on him/her whatsoever. For veil] according to Islamic teachings. It is in the interest of a woman’s integrity

that she attains a prominent status in society due to the fact that she observes Islamic pardah. When a woman observes pardahthe benefits of this Islamic injunction, it will have a far greater impact on others as compared to

in this society. Those women who observe pardah acquire many more chances to perform due to their unique prominence in society. This matter requires great attention.”

“There exist many other social evils in Western society. To adopt them merely because we live in this society and we feel

o Prayer of the Heart

o I pray that your hearts may be purified and that all vices and corruptions and evil incitements may be removed from you, that the seeking and selfishness should forsake your breasts and the ornaments of humility, unselfishness and meekness should prepare your breasts for the reception of your Lord, and then Allah should descend upon them and fill them with every type of

Hazrat Khalifa-tul-Masih III

unselfishness and meekness should prepare your breasts for the reception of your Lord, and then Allah should descend upon them and fill them with every type of blessing.

o May He illumine your hearts and souls with every type of light.

o May God cause fountains of human sympathy and compassion to burst forth from your pure breasts so that the whole world should become the beneficiary of your selfless service.

See: http://www.alislam.org/library/links/heart.html

I pray that your hearts may be purified and that all vices and corruptions and evil incitements may be removed from you, that the satan of arrogance, vanity, and self-seeking and selfishness should forsake your breasts and the ornaments of humility, unselfishness and meekness should prepare your breasts for the reception of your Lord, and then Allah should descend upon them and fill them with every type of

Masih III ra on Pardah

unselfishness and meekness should prepare your breasts for the reception of your Lord, and then Allah should descend upon them and fill them with every type of

May He illumine your hearts and souls with every type of light.

May God cause fountains of human sympathy and compassion to burst forth from your pure breasts so that the whole world should become the beneficiary of your

http://www.alislam.org/library/links/heart.html

o In a compilation of Friday Sermons specifically aimed at children, Hazoor ramentioned the following...

o “…Make every endeavour to help them acquire a noble character. Character is built in childhood. If it is delayed then you have to work very hard. There is a saying: strike the iron while hot. Allah keeps the iron of childhood hot for a

Hazrat Khalifa-tul-Masih IV

a saying: strike the iron while hot. Allah keeps the iron of childhood hot for a long time and whatever impressions you make on it while it is hot will stay on it forever. “

See: http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Sermons

o Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat Khalifatulon September 8,1989 at Fazl Mosque, London.

In a compilation of Friday Sermons specifically aimed at Waqf-e-Naumentioned the following...

Make every endeavour to help them acquire a noble character. Character is built in childhood. If it is delayed then you have to work very hard. There is a saying: strike the iron while hot. Allah keeps the iron of childhood hot for a

Masih IV ra on Pardah

a saying: strike the iron while hot. Allah keeps the iron of childhood hot for a long time and whatever impressions you make on it while it is hot will stay on

http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Sermons-on-Waqf-e-Nau.pdf

Khalifatul Masih IV (May Allah have mercy on him) Mosque, London.

o In his Friday Sermon on January 30th

Jama’at with regards to the importance of Pardah in this day and age.

o Huzuraba stated that he had dealt with this subject in a few of his earlier sermons. However, he felt that it needed to be emphasized again because a few people say that pardah is an antiquated restriction that should be removed in this day and age and that the progress of Islam and Ahmadiyyat is not dependant on strict

Hazrat Khalifa-tul-Masih V

and that the progress of Islam and Ahmadiyyat is not dependant on strict observance of pardah.

o Huzuraba said that his answer to these people is that Allah has given clear instructions in the Holy Quran regarding of the Holy Prophet that pardah was strictly observed at that time. Whether these people like it or not, Islam’s and Ahmadiyyat’s

o The teachings of the Holy Quran will never be outdated and if anyone thinks this way then they should beg Allah’s forgiveness.

See: http://www.alislam.org/mta/summary/january30

th, 2004, Huzuraba addressed the with regards to the importance of Pardah in this day and age.

stated that he had dealt with this subject in a few of his earlier sermons. However, he felt that it needed to be emphasized again because a few people say

is an antiquated restriction that should be removed in this day and age and that the progress of Islam and Ahmadiyyat is not dependant on strict

Masih V aba on Pardah

and that the progress of Islam and Ahmadiyyat is not dependant on strict

said that his answer to these people is that Allah has given clear instructions in the Holy Quran regarding pardah. Also, it is evident from the practice

was strictly observed at that time. Whether these Ahmadiyyat’s progress is linked to pardah.

The teachings of the Holy Quran will never be outdated and if anyone thinks this way then they should beg Allah’s forgiveness.

http://www.alislam.org/mta/summary/january30-2004.html

o Then there is the instruction for the women to restrain their looks. that it is necessary for all women to obey this instruction in order to prevent their good name and their family honour being dragged in mud.

o Huzuraba said that if it is absolutely essential for a woman to talk to a strange man then she should adopt a harsh tone in her voice so that he may not be encouraged by the softness of her voice.



o Huzuraba commented on the practice of employing male servers during the weddings to serve food saying that they are young. However, they are of such an age where they come under the instruction of pardah.

o Parents should take great care that they should not provide such opportunities for strangers to come in contact with their daughters and other young girls.

o The arrangements should be such that male servers should serve in the men’s area and female servers should serve in the ladies area.

Then there is the instruction for the women to restrain their looks. Huzuraba said that it is necessary for all women to obey this instruction in order to prevent their good name and their family honour being dragged in mud.

said that if it is absolutely essential for a woman to talk to a strange man then she should adopt a harsh tone in her voice so that he may not be encouraged



commented on the practice of employing male servers during the weddings to serve food saying that they are young. However, they are of such an age where they come under the instruction of pardah.

Parents should take great care that they should not provide such opportunities for strangers to come in contact with their daughters and other young girls.

The arrangements should be such that male servers should serve in the men’s area and female servers should serve in the ladies area.

o Huzuraba stated that someone enquired that at her job she is required to wear certain type of clothes. Is she allowed to work at such a place.

o Huzuraba said that if she can wear long coat over her dress and a scarf to cover her head then she may work there otherwise she is not allowed.

o Huzuraba had earlier spoken about certain places where women have to work in the fields and have to keep their face and eyes uncovered.


fields and have to keep their face and eyes uncovered. cases their pardah is considered to be complete even with their face uncovered.

o Huzuraba mentioned about being careful of maid servants who come into homes with the purpose of misguiding young girls.

o Huzuraba stated that nowadays internet is being used for the same purpose where certain groups entice young people and lead them astray. parents that it is their responsibility to keep an eye on their children that they do not fall prey to such vices of the internet.


stated that someone enquired that at her job she is required to wear certain type of clothes. Is she allowed to work at such a place.

said that if she can wear long coat over her dress and a scarf to cover her head then she may work there otherwise she is not allowed.

had earlier spoken about certain places where women have to work in the fields and have to keep their face and eyes uncovered. Huzuraba stated that in those


fields and have to keep their face and eyes uncovered. Huzuraba stated that in those cases their pardah is considered to be complete even with their face uncovered.

mentioned about being careful of maid servants who come into homes with the purpose of misguiding young girls.

stated that nowadays internet is being used for the same purpose where certain groups entice young people and lead them astray. Huzuraba reminded parents that it is their responsibility to keep an eye on their children that they do not fall prey to such vices of the internet.


o Huzuraba said that according to Hadhrat MuslehHoly Quran because it causes the spread of shamelessness.

o Some people say that if women dance among other women then what is the harm in that.

o Huzuraba said that when the Holy Quran says that it leads to the spread of shamelessness then it is so and every Ahmadi should pay heed to this instruction.


shamelessness then it is so and every Ahmadi should pay heed to this instruction.

o If the Jama’at authorities receive a report of dancing at any Ahmadi wedding then this should be investigated and action should be taken against the culprits.

o As far as singing is concerned, singing of poems and sober songs is permitted.

o Huzuraba said that the secret of our success is in following the instructions of the Holy Quran. May Allah enable us to act upon these instructions.


Musleh Maudrz, dancing is forbidden by the Holy Quran because it causes the spread of shamelessness.

Some people say that if women dance among other women then what is the harm

said that when the Holy Quran says that it leads to the spread of shamelessness then it is so and every Ahmadi should pay heed to this instruction.


shamelessness then it is so and every Ahmadi should pay heed to this instruction.

authorities receive a report of dancing at any Ahmadi wedding then this should be investigated and action should be taken against the culprits.

As far as singing is concerned, singing of poems and sober songs is permitted.

said that the secret of our success is in following the instructions of the Holy Quran. May Allah enable us to act upon these instructions. Aameen.


oYour fellow females are the ones who can relate to you best and so this is the 4guidance that I would like to turn your attention to.

4th Guide…

attention to.

oWe have many esteemed female role models in our community by the Grace of Allah but I will touch upon only one here (there are some more in the links provided at the end).

o The important thing to note is that you are not alone in your struggle to put your religion before worldly desires and influences, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help when scared. ^_^

Your fellow females are the ones who can relate to you best and so this is the 4th form of guidance that I would like to turn your

We have many esteemed female role models in our community by the Grace of Allah but I will touch upon only one here (there are some more in the links provided at the end).

The important thing to note is that you are not alone in your struggle to put your religion before worldly desires and influences, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help when scared. ^_^

o Islam has always suffered from many false charges against it due to the misunderstanding of its true teachings. One example of this is the wide spread false notion that Islam in general deprives women of their rights and forces them to go behind the veil.

o The Islamic veil is condemned by non-Muslim and regarded as a sign of backwardness and a thing of the past which is no longer practical in the daily way of life today. They think that it is a burden and a restriction which has been imposed on Muslim women to deprive them on them of their freedom; they see it as if it was a chain with which the cruel Muslim man has tied his poor wife or

The Islamic Veil – by MahaThe Review of Religions, October 1992

and a restriction which has been imposed on Muslim women to deprive them on them of their freedom; they see it as if it was a chain with which the cruel Muslim man has tied his poor wife or daughter or sister of any other woman under his rule, because of his selfishness or jealousy.

o But if one looks with a deeper glance on this not something that Islam has invented. The prof similar teachings and Islam came only to complete and perfect them.

o The revealed religions teach women to be mowill find that it teaches that modesty and reverence demanded the veiling of the face of the woman and that the veil was used by ladies of high rank.

For the full article: http://www.alislam.org/library/links/00000133.html

Islam has always suffered from many false charges against it due to the misunderstanding of its true teachings. One example of this is the wide spread false notion that Islam in general deprives women of their rights and forces them to go behind the veil.

Muslim and regarded as a sign of backwardness and a thing of the past which is no longer practical in the daily way of life today. They think that it is a burden and a restriction which has been imposed on Muslim women to deprive them on them of their freedom; they see it as if it was a chain with which the cruel Muslim man has tied his poor wife or

Maha Dabbous SahibaThe Review of Religions, October 1992

and a restriction which has been imposed on Muslim women to deprive them on them of their freedom; they see it as if it was a chain with which the cruel Muslim man has tied his poor wife or daughter or sister of any other woman under his rule, because of his selfishness or jealousy.

is subject, it will be found that the veiling of women is previous revealed scriptures also contain some traces

of similar teachings and Islam came only to complete and perfect them.

modest in clothes and actions. If we study the Bible we will find that it teaches that modesty and reverence demanded the veiling of the face of the woman and that the veil was used by ladies of high rank.

http://www.alislam.org/library/links/00000133.html

oThere are different arenas in life where pardah comes into play.

o Islam is the one aid that helps to make life simpler and easier, whilst

Points to think about

o Islam is the one aid that helps to make life simpler and easier, whilst everything worldly makes life more complicated and difficult. Therefore, the more balanced you make your life is in this world, the easier it’ll be for you.

o Take your deen and duniya hand in hand and you will never waiver in life, InshAllah.

There are different arenas in life where pardah

Islam is the one aid that helps to make life simpler and easier, whilst

Points to think about

Islam is the one aid that helps to make life simpler and easier, whilst everything worldly makes life more complicated and difficult. Therefore, the more balanced you make your life is in this world, the easier it’ll be for you.

hand in hand and you will never waiver in life,

In pictures taken by

people outside of your



In front of non-Mehram

men…in the home and out

in public.

In front of non-Mehram

men…in the home and out

in public.

Where to Observe Pardah


immediate family


immediate family





On the Internet…i.e. on social media,

websites, blogs, YouTube, etc.

On the Internet…i.e. on social media,

websites, blogs, YouTube, etc.

Where to Observe Pardah


immediate family


immediate family

o http://www.alislam.org/books/pathwaytoparadise/LAJ

o http://www.alislam.org/ismail/April-June-2012

o http://www.alislam.org/topics/islamic_veil.pdf

o http://www.alislam.org/maryam/Maryam-Jan

Additional Reading & Viewing

o http://www.alislam.org/egazette/articles/demystifying

o http://www.alislam.org/alhilal/H2012-2.pdf (page 23)

o http://www.alislam.org/books/study-of-islam/predestiny.html

o http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Muhammad

o http://www.alislam.org/v/1409.html

o http://www.alislam.org/v/1006.html

http://www.alislam.org/books/pathwaytoparadise/LAJ-chp2.htm

2012-EN.pdf (pages 37-40)

http://www.alislam.org/topics/islamic_veil.pdf

Jan-Mar-2012-EN.pdf (pages 26-30)

Additional Reading & Viewing

http://www.alislam.org/egazette/articles/demystifying-the-burqa/

(page 23)

islam/predestiny.html

http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Muhammad-the-liberator-of-women.html

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Documents

Pardah - Lajna · oThe Holy Qur’an is our first and foremost go-to for obtaining the oIt is a guide that contains complete and perfect instructions for what is and isn’t allowed