Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper) explained the broad context of Purda in a Friday Sermon by doing a commentary of this Quranic injunction in light of Ahadith [sayings of the Holy Prophet(sa)] and the instructions of the Promised Messiah(as). After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwudh and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) recited the following verses from Surah An-Nur with their translation and then presented a commentary of these verses:
The translation of these verses is as follows:
“Say to the believing men that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well-aware of what they do. 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 embellishment except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they display not their beauty 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 are their companions, 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 Allah all together, O believers, so that you may prosper.” (Surah Al-Nur, 24:31-32)
From the verses I have recited today, everyone must have understood the subject I want to address. I have briefly discussed this subject previously on two or three different occasions, but I feel that it needs further elucidation. From many of the letters I receive, I have gathered that there are still a considerable number of people who do not understand the importance of the commandment of Purda. Some people question: is Purda the only important commandment for the progress of Islam Ahmadiyyat? Is the advancement of Islam merely dependent on the observance of Purda? Others start asserting that these are backward and outdated teachings which should not be practiced; we should be modernized according to this age. Although the number of such people in our Jama‘at is very negligible, the fear that such people will drift away with the tides of the present age, nonetheless, produces anxiety in the heart. However small the number of such people is, it cannot be considered insignificant.
One response I have for such people is that when Allah has indeed given us commandments on what to do and what not to do by including them in the most perfect and complete Book, and through the Holy Prophet(sa) verifying that they are true Islamic teachings, then it follows that the progress of Islam Ahmadiyyat is inextricably linked with these teachings, even if you consider them insignificant. Secondly, the teachings of the last law-bearing Book which were revealed upon the Holy Prophet(sa) can never become obsolete. People who have such thoughts should try to reform themselves and do Istighfar (seek forgiveness of Allah).” (Friday Sermon, January 30, 2004, Baitul Futuh, London, Al-Fazl International, April 9, 2004)
The commandment of lowering the gaze (ghadd-e-basar) is equally applicable to men and women. Thus, Huzoor Anwar(aba) says:
“First, it is the men who are commanded to practice restraining their gaze; they should restrain their eyes from gawking at anything prohibited and they should not unnecessarily stare at women who are non-Mahram (forbidden) for them. Whenever one walks about with eyes wide open and unrestrained, the eyes will necessarily follow [others] out of curiosity. This is why the Holy Quran commands that one should walk with a lowered gaze.
To save oneself from such ills, the Promised Messiah(as) has instructed that one should walk with partially open eyes, neither widely open nor so closed as to stumble. They should be open only to an extent that they do not show any curiosity [to others] and if you happen to catch someone’s eye, do not go on staring. I will explain this a little later with a Hadith as to how one should look, but before that, I present a quote of Allama Tabari who has stated: ‘The meaning of Ghadd-e-Basar is to restrain your eyes from seeing anything prohibited by Allah the Almighty.’ (Tafseerul Tabari Vol. 18, pp. 116-117)
This instruction—to lower the gaze—is, therefore, already in place for men, and if men fulfill this injunction, many of the ills are eliminated at this point.
The Promised Messiah(as) states: ‘Every righteous person who wants to keep his heart pure should not let his eyes wander unrestrained like animals; rather, it is imperative for him to develop the habit of Ghadd-e-Basar in his social life. It is this blessed habit that would convert his natural impulses into a high moral quality.’ (Report Jalsa Azam Mazahib, pp. 102-103, qtd. in Tafseer Hazrat Masih Mau‘ud(as) Vol. 3, p. 444)
Then there is the injunction for believing women to observe Ghadd-e-Basar and keep their eyes lowered. If women walk with their eyes wide open and unrestrained, then such men whose hearts are under the influence of Satan will continue creating problems for them.
It is necessary for all women to obey the instruction of Allah the Almighty regarding Ghadd-e-Basar in order to save themselves and their families from any dishonour; so that they do not become a source of dishonour. Men who are crooked and mischievous will sometimes take a minor matter and blow it out of proportion, which unnecessarily starts comments and criticisms [by people]. This is why the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed his wives to observe Purda even from a eunuch to avoid the possibility that he may talk to other men about them and spread indecency.
Look at how strictly the Holy Prophet(sa) has imposed this commandment. Far from staring directly into a young man’s eye whose inner state is unknown, it is even instructed that if it does become unavoidable to speak to a man, a woman should use a stern tone so that he may not entertain any evil thoughts. Thus, there are instructions to be so strict in observance of the Purda.
Continuing with the Friday sermon, Huzoor Anwar(aba) also referred to some blessed Ahadith: It is narrated by Abu Raihana(ra) that he was with the Holy Prophet(sa) in a battle. One night he heard the Holy Prophet(sa) saying: ‘Fire is forbidden to touch the eye that remains awake for the sake of Allah and fire is forbidden on the eye that sheds tears for the fear of Allah.’ The same narration states that fire is forbidden on the eye that lowers its gaze instead of looking at that which is restricted by Allah. And fire is also forbidden to touch the eye that has been damaged in the way of Allah Almighty. (Sunan ad-Darimi, Kitabul Jihad)
Thus, consider how high is the status of doing Ghadd-e-Basar (lowering of the eyes); they are being included among those who worship Allah, strive in His path and are martyred. In other words, such people acquire this status because they keep their eyes lowered. People who follow this commandment will always be engaged in the worship of Allah and the ones to attain His nearness.
Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri(ra) relates that the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Refrain from assembling on the streets.’ The companions of the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, we do not have any alternative.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) told them, ‘In that case, fulfill the rights of the streets.’ They asked, ‘What are the rights of the streets?’ The Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Respond to the greetings of peace of every passerby, keep your eyes lowered, guide those who ask for directions, enjoin goodness and forbid evil.’ (Masnad Ahmad bin Hanbal Vol. 3, p. 61, published in Beirut)
Look at how much emphasis has been laid that first, one should not loiter in a street. However, if one has to be in the street for a legitimate reason, then the rights of the street must be fulfilled. That is, do not look around unnecessarily; observe Ghadd-e-Basar and keep your gaze lowered. It should not be that if one happens to make eye contact with another, you go on staring at them.
Hazrat Umme Salma(ra) relates that she was with the Holy Prophet(sa) along with Hazrat Maimunah(ra) when Ibn Umm Maktum(ra) came. This was after the commandment of Purda had been revealed. The Holy Prophet(sa) said: ‘Veil yourselves from him.’ We said, ‘Messenger of Allah, he is blind. He cannot see us or recognize us,’ whereupon the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Are you both also blind and not seeing him?’ (Tirmidhi, Kitabal Adab)
Look at the sheer extent to which Purda is to be observed; not only are men commanded to lower their gaze, women too are commanded not to look at men unnecessarily.
Hazrat Jarair(ra) relates that he enquired from the Holy Prophet(sa) about a ‘sudden involuntary glance.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Avert your eyes.’ (Abu Da’ud, Kitabun Nikah)
Such is the beauty of Islamic Purda. Sometimes, an occasional involuntary glance may occur. This is natural. However, in order to establish a righteous society, Islam—on the one hand—permits women to go out [of the home] on the condition that they observe Purda, not displaying their outer beauties or embellishments, except that which is apparent; and on the other hand, it instructs men to keep their eyes lowered. If they have to remain in a public space, they must lower their eyes. If there is an involuntary glance, they should immediately avert their eyes.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas(ra) narrates that Fazl (bin Abbas) was mounted [on an animal] behind the Holy Prophet(sa) when a woman from the tribe of Khas‘am came. Fazl and the woman both started staring at each other. Seeing this, the Holy Prophet(sa) turned Fazl’s face the other away. (Bukhari, Kitabul Hajj)
Hazrat Abu Umamah(ra) relates that the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘When a believer’s glance [involuntarily falls upon the beauty of a woman and he does Ghadd-e-Basar (lowers his eyes), Allah blesses him with the ability to enjoy such worship that is extremely sweet and blissful.’ (Masnad Ahmad)
Allah grants the ability to engage in good deeds and in worship to those people who lower their eyes to avoid the influence of Satan.
The Promised Messiah(as) says: ‘The Islamic injunction that men and women should observe Purda from each other is to save them from slipping and stumbling. This is because man is inclined towards vice in the early stages and the slightest provocation will cause him to fall upon it as a starving person falls on delicious food. It is incumbent upon man to reform himself. This is the core of Islamic Purda and I have explained it especially for those Muslims who are not aware of the commandments of Islam and their essence.’ (Al-Badr Vol. 3, No. 33, Sep 8, 1904, pp 6-7; Quoted in Tafseer Hazrat Masih Mau‘ud(as) Vol. 3, p. 443)
The Promised Messiah(as) says, “Tell the believing women that they should restrict their eyes from seeing non-Mahram (forbidden) men and restrict their ears from listening to their lustful voices. They ought to keep their private parts hidden and should not show their beauty to forbidden men. They must wear their veil in a way that it covers them from their head to their chest, which means that the chest, both ears, side of the face, forehead, all should remain covered. They should not strike their feet on the ground like dancers do. These measures can save one from transgression, if they are followed.” (Report Jalsa Azam Mazahib, p 100-101, with reference from Tafseer Hazrat Masih Mau‘ud(as) Vol. 3, p. 444)
He further said, “The believers should not opt to be open-mouthed or let their eyes wander unrestrained. In fact, they should abide by the command of ‘restraining the eyes’ (Al-Nur, 24: 31) by keeping their gaze lowered and avoiding the causes of evil.” (Malfuzat Vol. 1, p. 533, Published from Rabwah) (Friday Sermon, delivered January 30, 2004 at Baitul Futuh, London, Al-Fazl International April 9, 2004)
While speaking about the Conditions of Bai‘at in one of his Friday sermons, Huzoor Anwar(aba) mentioned about abstaining from moral vices with reference to the second Condition of Bai‘at . In light of pure divine guidance of the Promised Messiah(as), he said, “Many points are included in the second Condition of Bai‘at. (The Promised Messiah(as) has said) ‘Do not go near adultery, avoid all such occasions that can even arouse such a thought in the heart. Do not tread the paths that harbour the risk of committing this sin. An adulterer takes evil to its limits.” (The television programs being broadcast on some channels or streamed over the Internet these days are nudging towards these vices. Adultery can be of the eyes and It should also be avoided. Any such thing or activity that leads to evil is advised to be avoided). “The way of adultery is an evil way as it obstructs one’s progress towards the goal and is extremely harmful to the achievement of the purpose of life.” (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, p. 45)
What should be your ultimate aim? Seeking the pleasure of Allah is the ultimate destination and adultery is a hurdle in the path of achieving it.
One of the points mentioned in the second Condition of Bai‘at is the trespasses of the eye about which the Promised Messiah(as) stated, “The Holy Quran guides appropriately keeping in view the natural desires and weaknesses of man and it has adopted an excellent course in this regard. It states that you direct the believing men to restrain their gaze and to guard their Furuj. That is the practice through which they will attain purification. (Surah Al-Nur, 24:31)
Furuj does not refer merely to the private parts. It refers to all openings and holes in the body, including the ears. It has been prohibited to hear a song sung by an unrelated woman. Remember, it is proven by thousands of experiments, that if God prohibits something, man has to leave it sooner or later.” (Malfuzat Vol. 4, p. 105, Edition 2003, from Rabwah)
The Promised Messiah(as) further says, “Islam has equally enjoined men and women on observing these conditions. Women are prescribed to wear the veil and men are commanded to keep their eyes down. Salat (obligatory Prayer), fasting, Zakat (obligatory alms), Hajj (Pilgrimage to the House of God in Mecca), the distinction between Halal (lawful) and Haram (unlawful), shunning one’s customs and traditions to honour God’s commandments are all injunctions that make the gate of Islam very narrow and that is why everyone cannot enter this gate. (Malfuzat Vol. 5. p. 614, Edition 2003, Rabwah) (Friday Sermon, delivered March 23, 2012 at Baitul Futuh, London, Al-Fazl International April 13, 2012)
Huzoor Anwar(aba) gave important advice to Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya U.K. on adopting the attribute of chastity with reference to the Holy Quran during the Ijtima‘. He said, “In Surah Al-Mu’minun verse 6, Allah has mentioned another characteristic of the believers. Allah says:
“And who guard their chastity.” (Al-Mu’minun, 23:6)
Guarding their chastity and modesty is not only incumbent upon women, it is also obligatory upon men. Guarding of chastity does not mean only to abstain from extra marital sexual relations. Rather, the Promised Messiah(as) has taught us that a believer keeps his eyes and his ears pure of anything that is inappropriate and morally indecent. As I have mentioned earlier, pornography is something extremely obscene and watching it is equivalent to losing the chastity and purity of one’s eyes and ears. It is also contrary to the Islamic teachings of piety and modesty for boys and girls to mix freely, form relationships and inappropriate friendships.
We instruct Ahmadi women that they should observe Purda. I also advise the Ahmadi women to observe Purda and guard their chastity and purity. However, it should be remembered that in the Holy Quran, before giving women the commandment of observing Purda, Allah ordered the believing men to practice Ghadd-e-Basar (restrict their gazes) by keeping their eyes down and keep their hearts and minds clean of impure thoughts and bad intentions. This is why Allah has clearly stated in Surah An-Nur Verse 31, “Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well-aware of what they do.” Although men have not been ordered as women have to observe Purda in their physical appearance, they have been explicitly commanded by the Holy Quran to keep their gazes pure. It means that they should not look at women with lustful eyes and should keep their minds pure and free from all sorts of potential temptations.
This is the Purda required of men, which is the mean of protecting society from immodesty, indecency and related dangers. No teaching of Islam is superficial and without wisdom; rather, every principle of Islam is based on absolute wisdom and solid foundation. Thus, the command for men to restrict their gazes teaches self-control because generally it is through a man’s gaze that his emotions and desires are aroused. To protect the society from impropriety and misconduct, Islam has instructed both men and women to keep their gazes down when facing the opposite sex or to guard their eyes from looking at anything that may lead to lustful thoughts and illicit behaviour. Remember! Modesty is an essential character trait of a Khadim and so you must avoid all that violates the Islamic injunction of chastity. If you are successful in this, then you can claim true spiritual advancement.” (Address National Ijtima‘ Khuddamul Ahmadiyya 26 September 26, 2016, Published Badr Qadian September 7, 2017)
In one of his Friday sermons, Huzoor Anwar(aba) gave detailed advice to members of the Jama‘at on the pristine teaching of chastity in Islam. He said:
“The command of doing Ghadd-e-Basar (lowering the gaze), observing Purda and doing Taubah (seeking forgiveness from Allah) are all for our own benefit. Allah will reward us with His love and nearness for following His commandments. At the same time, Allah also states that because of these virtuous deeds your chastity will be established in the society and world you live in; neither will any fingers be pointing towards you that you are a person of immoral character and should be shunned nor will people be warning others to shun themselves and their children from you. On the contrary, everywhere we will have an honourable status because of this virtue. When Emperor Heraclius asked Abu Sufiyan about the teachings and practices of the Holy Prophet(sa), despite his enmity, Abu Sufiyan, along with saying other things, could only say that the Prophet(sa) teaches chastity. Heraclius replied that this is the very characteristic of a Prophet.
Muhammad bin Sirin(ra) narrated a long Hadith of the Holy Prophet(sa) in which the Holy Prophet(sa) advised about different things. One such advice is that chastity and truthfulness are better and everlasting in contrast to adultery and falsehood. (Sunan Dar Qutni, Kitabal Wasaya)
Thus, chastity is everlasting and whoever possesses this characteristic will always be recognized for this character trait. And any finger raised towards him will be to point out his piety.
The Promised Messiah(as) says: “Say to the believing men to guard their eyes from looking at unlawful women and avoid gazing at women who can incite lustful thoughts.” This includes women who are not in Purda (veil); it does not mean that it is permissible to look at unveiled women; one should avoid looking at them as well. “On such occasions, assume the practice of keeping eyes half-closed and safeguard your private parts in whatever way you can. Similarly, safeguard the ears from listening to the songs and melodious voices of unfamiliar and unlawful women, and refrain from listening to the stories of their beauty. This is an excellent technique for the chastity of the eyes and heart.” (Report Jalsa Azam Mazahib, p 100—reference from Tafseer Hazrat Masih Mau‘ud(as) Vol. 3, p. 440)
Nowadays, the situation has deteriorated from songs to obscene movies. Both men and women need to be equally vigilant in this regard, both must be careful. Video cassettes, or CDs containing obscene and indecent movies or dramas are freely available in shops. The Jama‘at and the auxiliary organizations should keep an eye on this trend and advise adults and children of their disastrous consequences because eventually these activities lead to evil ways.
The Promised Messiah(as) says: “In these verses God Almighty has not only set forth excellent teaching for acquiring the quality of chastity but has furnished man with five remedies against unchastity. These are: to restrain one’s eyes from gazing on those who are outside the prohibited degrees; to restrain one’s ears from listening to their voices and to descriptions of their good looks; to avoid occasions which might furnish incitement towards this vice; and to control oneself during the period of celibacy through fasting, dieting etc.
We can confidently claim that this excellent teaching with all its devices that is set forth in the Holy Quran is peculiar to Islam. It should be kept in mind that as the natural condition of man, which is the source of his passions, is such that he cannot depart from it without a complete change in himself, his passions are bound to be roused, or in other words put in peril, when they are confronted with the occasion and opportunity for indulging in this vice. Therefore, God Almighty has not instructed us that we might freely gaze at women outside the prohibited degrees and might contemplate their beauty and observe all their movements in dancing etc. but that we should do so with pure looks. Nor have we been instructed to listen to the singing of these women and to lend ear to tales of their beauty, but that we should do so with a pure intent.
We have been positively commanded not to look at their beauty, whether with pure intent or otherwise, nor to listen to their musical voices or to descriptions of their good looks, whether with pure intent or otherwise. We have been directed to eschew all this as we eschew carrion, so that we should not stumble. It is almost certain that our free glances would cause us to stumble sometime or the other. As God Almighty desires that our eyes and our hearts and all our limbs and organs should continue in a state of purity, He has furnished us with this excellent teaching. There can be no doubt that unrestrained looks become a source of danger.” (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, pp. 46-48)
Then the Promised Messiah(as) says: “He, whose life is involved in impurity and sinfulness, will always remain fearful and cannot compete. He cannot express his truthfulness and cannot furnish the proof of his chastity like an honest person can do with courage and valour. Take an example from worldly affairs. If one has ample means of subsistence, one will have many envious people around him. Every prosperous person has enviers who surround him. The same is true of religious matters. Satan is the enemy of reformation.
Hence, a person should keep his matters with God in order and strengthen his relationship with Him. If he keeps God pleased, then he does not need to be afraid of anyone or care for anyone besides God. He should avoid actions that are punishable, but this cannot happen without divine help and guidance. Mere human effort cannot yield results until backed by the Grace of Allah.
“Man has been created weak.” (Surah Al-Nisa, 4:29)
Man is weak, full of faults and surrounded in difficulties. Hence, one should pray that Allah grants him the capacity to do good deeds and make him the recipient of divine support and abundant blessings.” (Malfuzat Vol. 5. p. 543, Edition 2003, published from Rabwah)
May Allah enable us to practice this! (Friday Sermon, delivered January 30, 2004 at Baitul Futuh, London, Al-Fazl International April 9, 2004)
The Holy Quran offers specific instructions to the believers to safeguard their Furuj. In the light of the sayings of the Promised Messiah(as), Huzoor Anwar(aba) delivered an insightful explanation of this Islamic injunction and gave advice to Ahmadi ladies in particular. Huzoor Anwar(aba) mentioned that the Promised Messiah(as) has said:
“The Holy Quran—which offers the most relevant teachings based on the natural demands and weaknesses of human beings—has adopted a brilliant principle:
That is, “Direct the believing men to restrain their looks and to guard their private parts [Furuj]. This is the act through which they will attain purification.” (Surah Al-Nur, 24:31)
The Promised Messiah(as) further stated:
“Furuj does not refer merely to the private parts. It refers to all points of entry into the body, including ears. This also opposes the idea of listening to songs by non-Mahram women. Remember, thousands of experiences have demonstrated that ultimately man has no choice but to refrain from those things which God has prohibited in the first place... Thus, when it comes to the interaction between men and women, it is essential not to allow excessive freedom.” (Malfuzat Vol. 4, p. 104-106, New Edition) (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana Canada, June 25, 2005, Al-Fazl International March 2, 2007)
At another Ijtima‘ for Ahmadi ladies, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) explained the same subject and gave valuable advice with reference to the sayings of the Promised Messiah(as). The Promised Messiah(as) says: “The Holy Quran states,
Meaning, “Say to the believers, do not lustfully look at the private parts of others and safeguard your other Furuj or openings” (Surah An-Nur, 24:31). It is necessary for men to keep their gazes low (in other words, do not have wide open eyes), lest they succumb to temptation at the sight of a woman who is a non-Mahram. Even the ears are implied by the word Furuj, which may lead one to temptation by listening to ill-natured stories.” This means that ears are also Furuj from where evil can enter, such as when people hear stories or gossip and start quarreling in response without even confirming it. This too comes under this category.
This is why the Promised Messiah(as) stated, “You ought to safeguard all your Furuj or ‘openings’ and keep them closed because:
In other words, this is best for them and such practice bears the hallmarks of the highest level of purity, which if possessed shall keep you away from evildoers.” (Malfuzat Vol. 1, pp. 84-85, English translation, 2018) (Address to Ladies, National Ijtima‘ UK, October 19, 2003, Al-Fazl International, April 17, 2015)
On another occasion, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“For the injunction of safeguarding the Furuj, it is necessary to observe Purda, so do not consider this command of Allah to be an ordinary command.
The Promised Messiah(as) has said that the people who speak against the observance of Purda should first improve and rectify the moral condition of men and then debate whether the veil is necessary or not.” (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana Germany August 21, 2004, Al-Fazl International, May 1, 2015)