Different opinions are prevalent in our society regarding Purda and particularly Purda of the face. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih responded to this important question about “why Purda of the face is necessary” by stating in one of his Friday sermons: ‘Do not display your beauty.’ This implies that as commanded, women should refrain from going out (unveiled) when wearing makeup. One’s height, physique, hands, feet and gait will of course be obvious when outdoors. But these features do not come under the category of ‘beauty’, because Islam does not restrict women along these lines. He said that except for the features that are apparent, veiling of the face should be observed, as that is the Islamic commandment.
One of the explanations given by Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) is that the Purda should cover the forehead as well as the bottom of the face, up to the nose. The covering should be draped down the neck, and likewise, the hair should be covered. The scarf or any covering worn by a woman should be long enough to cover her hair from the back. 
(Except that which is apparent thereof), which means something that is self-evident. Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) explains that these words advocate that Shari‘ah deems lawful only that which is self-evident and cannot be hidden. It does not make it permissible for a woman to display the parts she wants to, of her own will.
I believe there are two remarkably apparent elements (of beauty), i.e. the height and gait, as well as physical mannerism. Anyhow, it is common sense that depending on her work or because of a necessity, whatever is apparently visible is not included in Purda. Therefore, it is due to this permission that a doctor checks the pulse of a woman because illness compels exposure of this part. Then he said that if the routine of a household is such that women have to work outside in the fields or grounds, it would be permissible for them to keep their eyes and nose uncovered and their Purda would still be considered intact. This is because they cannot work without uncovering these parts and that which has to be exposed for the sake of attaining necessities of life and livelihood comes within the scope of Purda. However, a woman whose chores do not compel her to go out to work in open fields does not qualify for this permission. Hence, the permission to uncover certain parts of the body because of a handicap is granted under except that which is apparent thereof. (Tafseer-e-Kabeer Vol. 6, p. 298-299)
This detail has clarified the limits of Purda to a great extent. The instruction to cover the face is absolute and it should be veiled to the extent that the eyes and the nose are exposed to ensure seeing and breathing.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) further explained, with reference to the Sunnah and Ahadith of the Holy Prophet(sa), “In this context, Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) presented evidence from Ahadith that once the Holy Prophet(sa) sent one of his companions to look at a girl’s face whose marriage proposal was under consideration. He was sent to look at her countenance because if Purda of the face had not been in effect, then everyone would have already seen her.
The second incident narrated in the Hadith is that the Holy Prophet(sa) asked a boy who wished to marry a particular girl, if he had seen her. He told him to go and look at her if he had not already seen her. As the command of Purda was in effect, he would not have seen her. He therefore went to her house and requested to meet the girl, but her father refused to accede. The father said that Islam enjoins the observance of Purda, therefore he could not allow him to see the girl. The boy then gave the reference of the Holy Prophet(sa), but still the father refused. Anyways, everyone has one’s own state of belief. He was more adamant regarding this instruction of Islam rather than listening to the word of the Holy Prophet(sa) and obeying it. The girl, who had heard the conversation from inside, came out saying that if it is the instruction of the Holy Prophet(sa), then by all means the boy may see her face. Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) says that if there was no instruction of covering the face, then why did the Holy Prophet(sa) say as he did. Everyone would have known how this girl looked.
Once the Holy Prophet(sa) was observing I‘tikaf and was going to drop Hazrat Safiyyah(ra) back home at night. Two men happened to come from the opposite direction. On seeing them, the Holy Prophet(sa) asked Hazrat Safiyyah(ra) to lift her veil and said to the men, “Have a look at her. It is none other than my wife Safiyyah(ra). This is to save you from Satan’s onslaught and from starting to make false accusations.” This also proves that covering the face is part of Purda.
Then Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) says, ‘Those people who say that there is no instruction of covering the face in Islam, we ask them that the Holy Quran says to hide beauty, and the most beautiful thing is the face, and if there is no command to cover it, then what is the beauty that we are commanded to cover. We agree to the extent that the face should be covered in such a way that it does not have a detrimental effect on health. The veil, for instance, should be of a thin material or it can be made like the Niqab used by the Arab women, in which the eyes and nostrils are exposed, but the face cannot be left uncovered.’ (Tafseer-e-Kabeer Vol. 6, p. 301)
Older women, who grow weak with age and have no desire or need of marriage, are permitted to relax the rules of Purda, but they need not go about decked up and wearing makeup unnecessarily. Purda is to be observed until a specific age and after that, the injunctions are relaxed. In our country, Purda has been misused to the extent that young women are discarding it and older women are being kept at home forcibly. A woman’s face is included in Purda. If not, then the meaning of 
(“lay aside their outer clothing,” Surah An-Nur, 24:61) would mean that the face and hands were already uncovered and now with old age, uncovering of the bosom, arms and even the whole body, has become permissible; however, this meaning is not acceptable to anyone. (Tafseer-e-Kabeer Vol. 6, pp. 396-397)
So if people, themselves, start making interpretations of Purda and each individual starts to interpret it to their own liking, the sanctity of Purda can never be upheld. Therefore, both mother and father should pay attention towards the Purda of their children as this is the responsibility of both of them. (Friday Sermon, January 30, 2004, Al-Fazl International, April 9, 2004)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba), while addressing the Ahmadi ladies at Jalsa Salana Mauritius, explained the various aspects of the responsibilities of an Ahmadi woman. Within that context, Huzoor Anwar(aba) spoke on the importance of Islamic Purda. He said:
“One of the numerous commandments of the Holy Quran is Haya (modesty) of women and the observance of Purda. Allah the Almighty has urged you not to display your beauty to those males who are non-Mahram (forbidden) for you. This means that you must not go without a veil in front of those people who are not your close relatives. When you go out, your head and face must be covered, and your dress must be modest and it should not attract strangers. Some girls use their jobs as an excuse that they are required to wear unIslamic clothing. If this is the case, then do not pursue jobs which compel you to wear clothing that exposes you. Rather, it has been decreed that you ought not to tread in a manner which would draw people to you.
Thus, Ahmadi women, in following this injunction of the Holy Quran, should safeguard their attire and their Purda. As I have mentioned, the influx of people from abroad has increased from the past. Then certain vices, disgraceful behaviour and immodesty have penetrated the households through television. An Ahmadi mother and an Ahmadi daughter have an increased responsibility to save themselves from these evils.
Do not advance so much in fashion that you become oblivious of your status. Do not make your appearance such as would incite others to cast lustful eyes on you. People from different religions and cultures are settled here in a small place and some matters are overlooked because of their intermingling. However, Ahmadi women in general and Ahmadi girls in particular who are studying in colleges and universities have to maintain their individuality. There should be a distinction between them and others. Their dresses and presence should be such that unacquainted men and boys do not find courage to cast evil eyes upon them. In the name of broadmindedness, an Ahmadi girl’s demeanour should not be such that it becomes hard to differentiate between an Ahmadi and a non-Ahmadi girl.” (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana Mauritius, December 3, 2005, Al-Fazl International, May 29, 2015)
In the context of Islamic teachings of Haya (modesty) being a part of faith, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) has clearly advised Ahmadi ladies that if they are compelled to wear inappropriate clothing for a job, they should give preference to religion over worldly gains and turn down such a job. Therefore, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said at an occasion:
“Purda is an Islamic commandment that has been explained in detail in the Holy Quran. The hallmark of pious ladies as stated is that they observe Haya (are modest), remain steadfast on Haya and establish Haya. If due to some job, you do not wear modest clothing, you are disobeying the command of the Holy Quran. If at a workplace you are compelled to dress in jeans, blouse and hat without a scarf, then an Ahmadi woman should not take this job. If a job demands wearing attire that affects your faith, you should turn down the job out of contempt because Haya (modesty) is also a part of faith.
If for the sake of earning money, you dress in clothing which brings a bad name to your Purda, then this job is hindering Allah from being your Provider. It stops Him from being your Friend and from fulfilling your needs because Allah satisfies the needs of the believers and of those who tread on the path of righteousness. No virtuous woman can tolerate being exposed, or those parts of her body being revealed that Allah has ordered her to cover.” (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana Canada, June 25, 2005, Al-Fazl International, March 2, 2007)
Similarly, His Holiness Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) said, while explaining modesty as a part of faith, “Then one has to embrace Haya (modesty) because it is a part of faith. Haya (modesty) is also a part of faith. The way Allah the Exalted has instructed a woman to cover herself is the way she should carefully keep herself covered. Beauty should not be revealed. The concept of Haya (modesty) is found in all nations and religions. An Ahmadi girl should never be influenced by the immodesty that is wide-spread in the West nowadays. This immodesty supposedly exists as an expression of freedom and fashion.
Islam does not restrict a woman from going out or doing a job. She is allowed to, but with certain conditions, that her beauty is not displayed and she is not unveiled. There must be a barrier between men and women.
In the Holy Quran, Allah has described an incident of Hazrat Moses(as) that when he reached a place where several shepherds were tending their flocks at a well on the side of a pond, he saw two women who were sitting with their animals off to one side. He asked them as to what their business was there. To this the girls replied that they were waiting for the men to be done and then they would water their animals. Take note, as this was because of their Hijab (veil) and Haya (modesty) that these girls did not want to go amongst the men. Thus, it is wrong to say that there is no harm in rubbing shoulders with men or holding mixed gatherings and even segregation is pointless. This notion of men and women has always been there. Allah the Exalted has ingrained Haya (modesty) in a woman’s nature. An Ahmadi woman should cultivate and enhance it and excel in the concept of modesty more than ever before. We have been given very clear instructions by Allah the Exalted so every Ahmadi woman, Ahmadi youth and Ahmadi girl should focus on her Haya (modesty) and Hijab (veil), without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.” (Address to Ladies, Annual Ijtima‘ Lajna Ima’illah UK, November 20, 2005, Al-Fazl International, May 22, 2015)
Considering Haya (modesty) and one’s dignity, and to practice the Quranic commandment of Purda befits the stature of an Ahmadi woman. His Holiness Huzoor Anwar(aba) has reminded the members of the Jama‘at repeatedly about this important responsibility. In one of the Friday Sermons, Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated, “The Promised Messiah(as) has said that there are seven hundred commandments. Thus, after embracing Ahmadiyyat, an Ahmadi should lead his life cautiously to avoid disobeying any of these. For example, there is the command of Haya (modesty). Women are specifically directed to observe Purda (veil). Men have also been instructed to observe Ghadd-e-Basar (lower their eyes) and demonstrate Haya (modesty). The directive of Purda for women is also meant to protect them from the immodest society and to uphold their Haya.
The Holy Prophet(sa) has said that Haya (modesty) is a part of faith. In today’s world, every society, place and country has become very liberal. Men and women have lost sense of their limits. Mixed gatherings are held and bodies are not fully covered in conforming with the Western ways. All these are obscenities of this era, which are pervading every country and society. This lack of restraint gradually leads to a total loss of the sense of Haya (modesty) from a person’s heart, even a devout Muslim’s heart. When a person abandons a minor commandment of Allah, self-restraint diminishes, bit by bit, and then the greater commandments are also set aside, eventually leading to disregard of worship of Allah. Finally, an individual ceases to remember the purpose of his life. Therefore, in this era, specifically the youth should be very careful (in this regard). They should always be mindful that we belong to the community of that person who came according to the prophecy of the Holy Prophet(sa), to bring man closer to God.
Therefore, if we want to be associated with him, we will have to follow his teaching which is to act upon even the minutest instructions of the Holy Quran. May Allah enable every Ahmadi to practice this.” (Friday Sermon delivered April 7, 2006 Mosque Taha, Singapore, Al-Fazl April 28, 2006)
His Holiness Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba), while drawing the attention of Ahmadi Muslim women towards the important responsibility of upholding their honour, said, “Then there is a very important commandment of Allah for the believing women that they have to conceal their beauty and observe Purda. In this Western society, some educated girls and women are not following Purda properly due to the influence of society or fear of an active campaign against Purda. Their attire is greatly influenced by fashion. If they go to the mosque or centre, they come in Purda or in a decent dress, but there are complaints that they do not pay attention to their dressing in malls. One of the things to be remembered is that Haya (modesty) is a part of faith and a woman’s asset, therefore she should always dress modestly. Always keep in mind that there is an honour associated with an Ahmadi woman and an Ahmadi girl, and you have to uphold it. You must always bear in mind that if Allah has given the commandment of Purda in the Holy Quran, then it definitely has some importance. Do not be like those westernized people who say that the command of Purda has become outdated or was applicable for certain circumstances only. No commandment of the Holy Quran ever becomes outdated or is altered. Allah the Almighty knew that such ideas will prevail in an era, therefore, He revealed the eternal command that mere words will not make you the believing women. Instead, you will be considered true believers when you follow the guidance and the commandments of the Holy Quran.” (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana Germany September 1, 2007, Mannheim, Al-Fazl International, December 2, 2016)
In one of His addresses, His Holiness Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba), brought the attention of Ahmadi women and girls towards the importance of safeguarding their Haya (modesty) and honour in the truest sense, in a very remarkable manner, “Some girls say that they have covered their head and that is enough, but they do not cover their heads the way Allah and His Prophet(sa) have commanded. Their hair is visible, half of the head is covered and half is uncovered. Even their bosom is visible. If they are wearing a coat, their arms are bare from the elbows, and the coats are above the knees. This is neither the modesty of an Ahmadi girl or woman, nor the limit of freedom for an Ahmadi woman. By acting in this manner, they are bringing their Haya (modesty) into question and are crossing the limits of their freedom.
Every Ahmadi woman has an honour to uphold and therefore should always remember that she has certain boundaries, stepping out of which would compromise her honour Thus, every Ahmadi girl and woman should remember that she has an honour, she has a status, the preservation of which must be more important than any other desire. Most importantly, the task for an Ahmadi girl and an Ahmadi woman is and should be to safeguard her and her family’s honour. The honour of an Ahmadi woman and an Ahmadi girl is more valuable than thousands of jewels.
Thus, protecting it, and knowing the ways to protect it, is very important or rather, obligatory for an Ahmadi woman and a girl. So, always remember that every Ahmadi woman and girl must protect her Haya (modesty), protect her honour and uphold her dignity; and this is not Pakistani culture, it is the Islamic teaching. Therefore, whether she is an Ahmadi woman from the German nation or from any other European country, or belongs to Pakistan or Asia or Africa, a common attribute of every woman should be that she has to lead her life righteously and safeguard her modesty and honour, only then can she be termed a true Ahmadi Muslim. Women and girls from Pakistan should particularly make themselves exemplary role models.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) further said, “Then Allah the Almighty says that a woman who wants closeness to Allah and wants to perfect her faith should also be mindful of protecting her honour. And an Ahmadi woman who, after accepting the Imam of the Age has pledged that she will safeguard herself from all vices has to be extremely careful about her respect, dignity and honour. Her attire, her gait and demeanour, and her speech mannerism should be different from others. It should not be that in the name of freedom she takes part in mixed-gender parties and her dress is contrary to the honour of an Ahmadi woman and she is not to be bothered about Purda or Hijab (veil).”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) added:
“As I have mentioned earlier also, when girls cross the threshold of youth, their coats must be below knee-level. Such coats must be worn that fully cover their bodies, rather than being fashion items, and should have long sleeves. The identity of an Ahmadi woman and girl should be the modesty of her dress. Therefore, take special care of your dress because this is also essential for an Ahmadi woman’s dignity. It will be a sorry state of affairs if the new additions to Jama‘at, understanding the importance of this matter, tend to the aspect of modesty in their dresses, whereas the old Ahmadi women drift away and become neglectful of their modest dress because of the detrimental effects of this society. Thus, always attend to these points and keep an eye on yourself, otherwise as I said, the attacks of Satan, which are ongoing through social media, are so intense that it is hard to evade them...” (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana Germany August 23, 2008, Mannheim, Al-Fazl International, November 4, 2011)
Advising young Ahmadi girls in context of observing Purda in everyday life, Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated in one of his addresses, “If the girls who go to schools and colleges are not permitted to wear a scarf or veil in the classroom, they must cover their heads immediately after coming out. This is neither a double standard nor hypocrisy. It will maintain the belief in your mind that you have to observe Purda and you will develop this habit in your future life. However, if you abandon it, you will progressively adopt more freedom and eventually you will no longer have any restrictions. This will result in complete loss of Haya (modesty).
When you attend a function or a wedding ceremony and the like, even if it is amongst the relatives, do not wear clothes that attract attention towards your body, enhance your looks or are see-through or sheer. Your honour is in adhering to the Islamic traditions and staying safe from the immodest eyes of the world.
According to a narration, Hazrat Aishah(ra) conveys that Hazrat Asma bint Abu Bakr(ra) came to see the Holy Prophet(sa) and she was wearing sheer clothes at that time. Huzoor(sa) disliked it and tried to avoid her. He said, ‘O Asma! When a woman reaches the age of puberty, it is inappropriate that anything except her face and hands are visible.’ Huzoor(sa) pointed towards his face and hands to explain it.” (Abu Dau’ud) (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana Canada July 3, 2004, Al-Fazl International, September 23, 2005)
The importance of the Quranic command for women to hide their beauty is evident on every Ahmadi woman. To fulfill this responsibility in the best manner, Huzoor Anwar(aba) drew the attention of Ahmadi women to embrace appropriate attitudes in respect to their attire and said: “Then along with the injunction of worship, Allah the Almighty has commanded you to hide your beauty and cover your heads and faces. Maintain your honour. Every woman has honour, and the respect and honour of an Ahmadi woman is very great... At times, there are complaints of some ladies that they come to the mosque in inappropriate clothes, wearing jeans and short shirts. There is no harm in wearing jeans and I have allowed them, but with a long shirt. When such girls were stopped, their mothers started arguing with the office bearers, questioning their authority on restricting the girls. In the first place, you are damaging the sanctity of the mosque by coming over there in improper clothes and secondly, despite being part of a system, you are committing a breach by arguing with the office bearers. You need to abstain from such acts.” (Address to Ladies, National Ijtima‘ Lajna Ima’illah U.K., November 2, 2008, Al-Fazl International, July 10, 2015)
His Holiness Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) advised women to inculcate the habits of Haya (modesty) and Ghadd-e-Basar (lowering one’s gaze), along with emphasis on not revealing their beauty, in these words: “As I have explained, Allah the Almighty’s commandments enjoin lowering the gaze and women and men should not openly glance at each other. They should be modest. Secondly, you must hide your beauty. The clothes should be such that it does not display your figure. And thirdly, keep your head, neck, and bosom covered to hide your beauty. The outer covering (Burqa) which you wear, should be loose. Those who wear makeup and keep their faces uncovered fall under the category of those who reveal their beauty. Similarly, those who display their hair are also in the same category, because they are showing their hair by choice and they are fully aware that this is their beauty. Therefore, covering the head, veiling the face to an extent that it is not fully showing, and wearing appropriate clothes is minimum Purda. The Promised Messiah(as) has emphasized that such should be the minimum standard.” (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana U.K., July 30, 2010, Al-Fazl International, March 11, 2011)