Every command of religion is full of wisdom. Speaking about the wisdom behind the command of Purda, Huzoor Anwar(aba) addressed the members of the Jama‘at in one of his Friday sermons, saying:
“Some people think that religion and faith restrict their freedom and impose constraints on them. In this regard, Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Quran:
Meaning, “...and has laid no hardship upon you in religion” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:79). That is, in the matter of religion, no hardship has been laid upon you. Rather, the objective of Shari’a is to reduce the burdens of mankind. In fact, not only does it reduce burdens, but it also protects mankind from all kinds of misfortunes and dangers. Thus, in this verse Allah the Almighty has clarified that this religion (i.e., Islam) which has been revealed for you does not contain any commandment that will place you in difficulty. Instead, every commandment, smallest to the greatest, is a source of mercy and blessings. As such, it is our own thinking that is flawed, for the Word of God can never be wrong. Being a creation of Allah, if we do not follow His commandments, we will harm ourselves. If man does not pay heed, Satan who has vowed to misguide humans from the start of creation will lead him into a pit of destruction. Thus, it is imperative to accept the commandments of Allah if we want to be shielded against the attacks of Satan. Some things apparently seem minor, but with the passage of time they produce devastating results because they were considered insignificant. So a believer must never take any Divine injunction lightly.” (Friday Sermon, January 13, 2017, Baitul Futuh, London, Al-Fazl International, February 3, 2017)
An appealing wisdom behind the Islamic commandment of Purda is to uphold and maintain the honour of a woman. In reference to this, Huzoor Anwar(aba) gave advice to Ahmadi women and said, “Now I want to draw your attention, as I have done before, towards Allah’s commandment that has been given to women, to raise their status and honour. Some discourses and letters suggest that I draw attention towards this matter with severity, or I am more inclined to harshness, even though I am just saying what Allah, His Prophet(sa) and the Promised Messiah(as) have commanded.
The Promised Messiah(as) has said that Purda certainly does not aim to put a woman in captivity, but the conditions of Purda must be kept in consideration. The way the society is going astray gradually, and as in certain matters the distinction between right and wrong has diminished completely, Ahmadi women are called upon to establish their examples. And they should tell society that Allah’s command of Purda is for elevating their status and not for putting them into any hardship. The commandment of Purda, although given to women, stands for men too. They have been directed to be mindful and avoid staring at women unnecessarily.”
In the same address, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) advised men and women and further said, “Believing men have been commanded to lower their eyes and not to stare at women with a fixed gaze. Furthermore, there is no excuse to look at strangers without reason. But generally, in society, a woman should also try not to allow such situations to arise which attract attention towards her in a manner that can later result in (illicit) friendships. Observance of Purda will be very helpful in this regard.” (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana U.K., July 31, 2004, Al-Fazl International, April 24, 2015)
The Holy Quran very clearly explains how to practice Purda and from whom it should be observed. In this context, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said in one of his addresses:
“Purda is a fundamental Islamic commandment and has been clearly explained in the Holy Quran. People who do not read the Holy Book attentively are of the opinion that Allah has not laid much stress on it. It is such an explicit instruction and I have mentioned it two or three times earlier as well. Some people feel as if I am rigidly laying undue emphasis on it, whereas I am only saying that which is in accordance with the Holy Quran. I am telling you what the Holy Quran says. What does the Holy Quran say about Purda? It is a long verse and contains the command:
“...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.”
(Surah Al-Nur, 24:32)
And then there is a long list; that “they should not disclose their beauty except to their fathers, their husbands and their sons.”
Now, because it is written therein that ‘the outer coverings be drawn over the bosoms,’ some people proclaim that as the commandment is to cover the bosom, wearing a Dupatta or a scarf around the neck is enough. The command is ‘not to display your beauty’, which means that when you go out, the covering should be wide enough to cover the physical beauty of the whole body as well. At another place, covering of the head is also commanded. That is why throughout the Islamic world, wherever there is some concept of observing Purda, the perception of covering the head is manifest. Everywhere, Hijab (head covering) or Niqab (face covering) or something of the like is used, a scarf may be worn or a wide wrap is worn. Thus, Allah has said:
“...draw their head-coverings over their bosom” (Surah Al-Nur, 24:32), which means that the covering should be big enough to cover the head and the body. It is permissible to come in front of fathers, brothers and sons without this covering. Surely, when a woman comes in front of her father, brothers and sons, she is in a decent dress, but the face is uncovered. He added that the face can be uncovered in presence of fathers, brothers, sons and other Mahram relatives, but it should not be so when you go out. These days, wraps or shawls are not used, instead Niqab, Burqa or coats are worn. This restriction is not rigid to the extent of causing suffocation by covering the nose tightly. Besides, the nose can remain uncovered to breathe easily, but lips and chin should be covered. Otherwise, use a big Chador (shawl) and wrap it as Allah has said to cover your head. Purda happens easily on its own—a large Chador (shawl) easily veils a face. If a Burqa is worn for its ease, it should be such that complies with this command. Wearing a tight-fitted coat, which is clinging to the body or keeping the whole face uncovered, is not Purda, it becomes fashion. Therefore, I tell everyone to assess themselves and see if they are observing Purda according to the commandment of the Holy Quran. (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana Sweden, September 17, 2005, Al-Fazl International, May 15, 2015)
Allah has given us permission not to observe Purda from certain people and they have been mentioned in the excerpt cited above. In this context, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) stated in a Friday Sermon:
“Those family members or close relations mentioned here [in 24:32] around whom a lesser degree of Purda is allowed, includes all people who are in extremely close relations. For example, husband, father or father of husband, brother, sons of brothers or sons of sisters, etc. Besides them, one has to observe Purda from all those who are not close relations.” (Friday Sermon, delivered January 30, 2004 at Baitul Futuh, London, Al-Fazl International, April 9, 2004)
On another occasion, while speaking on the same topic, Huzoor Anwar(aba) addressed the Ahmadi ladies:
“Husband, father, father-in-law, sons of the husband from a previous marriage, brothers, sons of brothers and sisters, or female acquaintances who are modest and chaste—because it is not allowed to let such women who are known for their vices to enter homes or to develop relationships with them. Apart from the few relatives mentioned above, Purda must be observed from everyone. Then it is said that your gait should also be dignified. It should not be such that it would attract an immoral person towards you and give him an opportunity. If you act like this and focus on repentance to keep your thoughts pious as well, it will bring you success, honour and high status.” (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana U.K. July 31, 2004, Tilford, Al-Fazl International, April 24, 2015)
In a Friday sermon, Huzoor Anwar(aba) explained to Jama‘at members the commandments given in the Holy Quran related to upholding the sanctity of their homes and the moral training and reformation of their children. Speaking in light of the advice of Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra), he also gave guidance regarding various individuals who may visit their homes. He said:
“Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) says displaying your beauty to your own women means that there are other women in whose presence you should not come casually or without modesty. Every pious woman tries to stay away from prostitutes. Their habits and their character are as clear as day, but there are some other women who work for bad people. At first, they go into homes and befriend the elders. After becoming good friends with the mother, these women try to develop a relationship with the young girls and sometimes they slowly and gradually lure them to evil ways. Thus, the command regarding these types of women is: ‘Do not let every outsider, every woman, enter your homes.’ First get some information about them and then act further. Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) has written that it used to be a norm back in the days but has diminished now (it was sporadic in the past, but nowadays we get news from some places that such groups who commit these wrongdoings are being formed again). Especially Ahmadi children in Pakistan should be extremely cautious and parents should be extra vigilant. This is because at times a woman enters the household as a domestic servant but in reality she is someone’s agent, and she gradually lures the girls, at first, by befriending them and then by engaging them in petty offenses. Thus, one should be careful in hiring such servants or maids and must do so after a thorough investigation. In the same fashion, the work of these bad women is being done over the Internet as well. Complaints have been received from Germany and some other countries that there are organized groups of people who hook people by first engaging them in intellectual conversations or other types of discourse, and after developing a friendship they make an effort to get them on the wrong track.” (Friday Sermon, delivered January 30, 2004 at Baitul Futuh, London, Al-Fazl International, April 9, 2004)
Similarly, Huzoor Anwar(aba) gave this instruction about Purda in a meeting with the National Majlis ‘Amila of Norway: “Different families visit each other’s homes. They say that we have connections and we are old acquaintances. But this is not correct. When you visit each other, men and women should sit in Purda.” (Meeting National Majlis ‘Amila Jama‘at Ahmadiyya Norway October 3, 2011, Al-Fazl International, December 30, 2011)
Relating the same topic from a different aspect, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said at another occasion, “Sometimes in the name of virtue or on humanitarian grounds or on the pretext of helping others, men and women get acquainted, which later has adverse consequences. Therefore, the Holy Prophet(sa) forbade going to the homes of women whose husbands are away or not at home, and the reason he gave was that Satan is running through a human’s veins like blood. (Sunnan al-Tirmidhi…Hadith 1172)
In the same directive, the Holy Prophet(sa) laid down the principle that unrelated men and women should not have unrestricted get togethers because this might provide Satan the opportunity to do his work.
Thus, Ahmadis need to stay absolutely cautious in this society where, in the name of freedom, unrestricted mingling of boys and girls and meeting in isolation is not considered objectionable.
Moreover, immoralities are not only being brought forth by foolish boys and girls. It has also been noticed that in the name of freedom and friendship, frequent and unrestricted house visits create problems and households break up even in the lives of married people. Therefore, we who have been blessed by Allah the Almighty with the ability of accepting the Promised Messiah(as) and have been taught about the wisdom behind every commandment of Islam, should follow every injunction of Allah and His Prophet(sa) without any type of question or hesitation.” (Friday Sermon delivered May 20, 2016 Mosque Gothenburg, Sweden, Al-Fazl International, June 10, 2016)
The Islamic teaching is that there should not be free and unrestricted meetings of men and women and mixed gatherings should not be held. In this context, while guiding Ahmadi women, Huzoor Anwar(aba) explained with deep wisdom:
“If you start sitting in men’s gatherings while wearing Burqa and start shaking hands with them, the purpose of Purda is destroyed. It has no advantage. The purpose of Purda is that unrelated men and women do not intermingle freely or meet each other. Both should have separate places. If you visit a friend’s house and sit with her husband, brothers or other relatives in a liberal environment, even if you are sitting with your face covered or are shaking a man’s hand with a veiled face, it is not Purda. The objective of Purda is that unrelated men should not come in women’s gatherings and neither should women go in front of unrelated men. Their gatherings should be separate. Moreover, this is also an injunction of the Holy Quran that one should observe Purda from women who are like prostitutes or who can have a negative effect on one’s thinking. The command enjoins to avoid them, so be careful and avoid such gatherings.” (Address to Ladies, Jalsa Salana Canada July 3, 2004, Al-Fazl International, September 23, 2005)
Shaking hands between men and women comes under the category of negating the teachings of Purda. While replying to a question regarding this, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said, “Talking unnecessarily to men and excessive frankness gives them the opportunity to shake hands. Ahmadi women must realize their stature and should not give such an opportunity to anyone. They should tell the men that in our religion women do not greet men, which means they do not shake hands with men.”(Meeting National ‘Amila Lajna Ireland, September 18, 2010, Al-Fazl International, October 22, 2010)
During Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’s(aba) tour to the United States, a meeting was held in Bait-ul-Rehman Mosque in Washington with female Ahmadi students. The students asked Huzoor Anwar(aba) some questions with his permission.
In response to one of the questions, Huzoor Anwar(aba) advised the students and the whole Lajna at large about observing Purda at home, in schools, colleges and universities and reminded them of their responsibility as Ahmadi women.
In response to a question about shaking hands with male colleagues at the workplace, Huzoor Anwar(aba) responded: “The same logic applies to not shaking hands with men as the logic related to the Hijab (veil). It means that if you protect yourselves from the eyes of unrelated men, then why not from their hands!” (Meeting with students, June 26, 2010, Washington, U.S.A, Al-Fazl International, August 17, 2012)
In a question and answer session held with the Waqfaat-e-Nau Germany, a girl related that she visited an organization where a man at the reception extended his hand for a handshake. She wanted to know what should be done in such a situation?
Huzoor Anwar(aba) replied, “I have also had similar experiences a few times, and I respond by slightly bending forward which makes the other person understand. You have to be your own saviour. If you fear the society, it will not work. If you do this a couple of times and also inform the other person that your religion forbids you from shaking hands with men, he will correct himself.”
Further explaining the issue, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said, “If you have to propagate your religious teachings, and have to tell people about them and also remain steadfast on them, then sometimes a little bit of anxiety might occur in their hearts, but these things have to be borne. This is nothing new. It has always been like this. Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) has written about an incident from the era when Indo-Pak was one continent under the rule of the British Empire, and they had their viceroys, lords and governors, etc. Some of them had personal ties with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra). Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra) writes that once he visited Dehli, a lord invited him over. He told the lord not to invite him because there would be many other people, including women, and Khalifatul Masih II(ra) would not shake hands with the ladies, which may agitate people. At this, the lord said that it did not matter and insisted on him coming. At this, Khalifatul Masih II(ra) told the lord that he would come, but then he will sit in a corner. Hence, he took a seat in a corner, but even there, an old English acquaintance came to greet him, and his wife extended her hand for a handshake. Upon this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra) excused himself by saying that he did not shake hands with ladies. That woman became upset and the English man was also very embarrassed. Later on, the English man wrote a letter to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra), which stated that he was restless the entire night about what Huzoor(ra) would be thinking about him. He expressed that even though he had old ties with Huzoor(ra) and knew about the Islamic teachings, he had not asked his wife to refrain from extending her hand in greeting and he was also concerned about his wife. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra) says that he later wrote him a letter and invited him and his wife to a dinner. It was a nice party and they were satisfied.”
Another Waqf-e-Nau girl said that a Lajna member from their area told her that she visited a doctor who offered a handshake and she shook hands with him. The girl said that she mentioned to the lady that shaking hands with men is forbidden. The lady replied that since there was no ill intention in either of their hearts, it makes no difference if they shook hands.
Huzoor Anwar(aba) replied, “She is wrong. Where is it written that one is allowed to shake hands if there are no ill intentions in the heart? I have explained this earlier as well that the Islamic commandments cover all possibilities. Eighty to ninety percent of men and women who shake hands with each other do not have ill intentions, but still Allah has forbidden it. Did the Holy Prophet(sa), God forbid, have ill intentions with women? Or did women have ill intentions with the Holy Prophet(sa)? There are several narrations which describe that women extended their hands towards the Holy Prophet(sa) for Bai‘at, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that he does not join hands with women in taking the Bai‘at. Several such narratives of the Holy Prophet(sa) are thus authenticated by the Ahadith. The Bai‘at is a highly sanctified procedure and then imagine the sheer status of the Holy Prophet(sa); but despite this, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that he will not shake hands with women. After this, what possible evil remained? These are just lame excuses. In reality, people just become afraid in this society. In any case, it is cowardly to merge into their society instead of explaining our own teachings and strengthening our faith. Therefore, the woman who did this was a big coward.”
The same Waqf-e-Nau girl asked a second question, which was related to Purda. She asked that when some women are asked to observe Purda, they say that there is no Ahmadi around, so there is no need to observe Purda.
Huzoor Anwar(aba) replied:
“Is Purda to be observed only from Ahmadis? Tell them that there is no such instruction that Purda is only expected to be observed from Ahmadis. In fact, before the command for Purda was revealed, a Jew had committed a very indecent action by trying to snatch a Muslim woman’s shawl. Allah the Almighty would have given the commandment of Purda in any case, but this incident also became a reason. Thus, there is no instruction that you have to observe Purda from Ahmadis only. Are only Ahmadis a source of danger? Is there no danger from non-Ahmadis? There is no instruction in the Holy Book stating that you have to observe Purda only from the Muslims. The Holy Quran commands to cover the head and draw the head-covering over the bosom. Therefore, the lady who said that there is no need to observe Purda from non-Ahmadis is wrong. She is spreading her own new Shari‘ah. You, the Waqfaat-e-Nau, are meant to tell such women not to make innovations and proclaim their own interpretations of the Shari‘ah. You have to reform such people. If the 230 Waqfaat who are sitting here in front of me undertake the responsibility of this reformation, people will automatically come to their right senses.” (Waqfaat-e-Nau Class, April 23, 2017 Germany, Al-Fazl International, June 9, 2017)
Some Ahmadi girls residing in Europe have the habit of shaking hands with men. While explaining this habit, Huzoor Anwar(aba) gave advice in the National Majlis ‘Amila meeting of Lajna Norway in these words: “...then there is socializing with men, greeting and shaking hands with men is very common here. This habit is widely prevalent everywhere in Europe. I have observed that some girls subconsciously extend their hands towards me. This shows that they have the habit of shaking hands with men. A girl should realize the importance of Haya (modesty) from an early age. I have also told the Waqfaat-e-Nau that at the age of ten, Salat becomes obligatory and all restrictions should be obligatory. All obligations should be fulfilled at this age. Thus, habits should be inculcated in them before this time.” (Meeting National ‘Amila Lajna Ima’illah Norway October 2, 2011, Al-Fazl International, December 23, 2011)
In many households, Purda is not observed from male servants, even though the teaching of the Holy Quran about Purda should also be followed in this regard. Therefore, Huzoor Anwar(aba) drew attention towards the practice of employing male servants in the households in one of his Friday sermons and said:
“In some places it is customary to appear freely in front of all types of servants. Purda should be observed from all ranks of people including servants, except from those servants or young children who have grown up with the children of the house, or those servants who are old and have passed the age where they can have bad intentions or would think of gossiping about the household with outsiders. In some places it has been observed that new servants who have been employed for a few months, freely enter into the bedrooms where sometimes women and girls are sitting without scarves and all of this is termed open-mindedness. This is not open-mindedness. People later regret it when faced with consequences. Moreover, the relaxation of Purda mentioned in this verse is from small children.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said that your gait should also be dignified and decent and you should not strike your feet on the ground and your pace should be so composed that no one would dare to cast evil eyes upon you. When you are covered in a veil and present a model of decorum, no one will have the courage to glance twice in your direction. (Friday Sermon, January 30, 2004, Baitul Futuh London, Al-Fazl International, April 9, 2004)
Nowadays, at weddings and other events, men serve food on the women’s side too, which is clearly a violation of Purda. Drawing attention towards avoiding this disgraceful habit, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “In some places in our society, boys are called in to serve food at weddings and functions, etc. On one hand, there is so much emphasis on strict observance of Purda and on the other hand, boys are called in and it is said that they are young. Even those who are termed ‘young’ are at least seventeen to eighteen years old. In any case, they have definitely attained maturity. At weddings, young girls are also walking around; however, nothing is known about the character of the caterers. So, as I have said, they have reached the age of adolescence and Purda must be observed from them. Even if they are younger in age, the environment in which they work and spend time in corrupts their minds, and apart from a few exceptions, their language is indecent, and their intentions are not good. I have noticed in Pakistan particularly that these boys are not trustworthy. Mothers should also keep their eyes open, even if they have aged and become exempt from Purda; they should at least take care of their daughters. You cannot restrict the eyes of the male servers; and they can go out in public and make comments, which can cause defamation of the girls and their families.
Once Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV(rh) expressed that a team of Ahmadi boys including Atfal and Khuddam, should be prepared who can serve at weddings etc. It would serve the dual purpose of Khidmat-e-Khalq (serving people) and reduce expenses. There are many families who cannot afford to hire serving staff but do so for keeping up appearances. This would put an end to the practice of hiring servers from outside of the Ahmadi society. Khuddam and Ansar teams, or if it is a girls’ function, then girls from Lajna Ima’illah, should work. If someone really wants to make the expense and engage serving staff for the events, then male servers should serve in the men’s area. Here I have seen that female staff is also there to serve in the women’s area. Thus, female servers should be arranged to serve in the ladies’ area and there should be no inferiority complex about it. As I said before, some people spend just to imitate others, and this is a form of inferiority complex. There should be no inferiority complex. If you make up your mind to follow the commandments of the Holy Quran and maintain purity, then not only will the work be done, but you will also get a reward for it.” (Friday Sermon, January 30, 2004, Baitul Futuh London, Al-Fazl International, April 9, 2004)
In light of the beautiful explanation by Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) of the verse explaining the Quranic commandment of Purda, Huzoor Anwar(aba) advised women against dancing. He said, “From the words ‘striking their feet’, Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) has concluded that Shari’a has completely forbidden dancing because it causes the spread of obscenity. Some women question that if women dance among other women, then what is the harm in that? There is harm in women dancing even among women. When the Holy Quran has said that dancing leads to the spread of immodesty, an Ahmadi woman should obey this instruction.
If a report is received about dancing at any Ahmadi wedding, the Jama‘at authorities should take notice and take appropriate action against such people.
Some women—lacking in basic Tarbiyat—say that if you go to Rabwah there is barely any difference between a wedding and a funeral; there is no dancing, singing or anything [in the weddings]. Now, the first thing in this regard is that respectable people do not associate themselves with any form of dancing; if someone has an objection to it, they should not attend such weddings. As far as singing is concerned, girls indeed sing decent wedding songs and there is no harm in it. Also, poems that include prayers are also recited. Thus, how can they assert that there is no difference between a wedding and death. In reality, this is just a lack of perception. Such people need to reform their own conditions. Surely, it is our custom to send off newly married couples into their new life with prayers so that they have a blessed start to their marriage. Along with the celebration, couples stand in need of prayers that Allah the Exalted may bless their home and grant them pious and virtuous children, and that both of them and their progeny become servants of Islam.
Then, prayers should be said for the married couple that they fulfill the obligations due to their parents and relatives. Ahmadis celebrate their weddings like this and if anyone has an objection, so be it. We have been commanded by Allah the Exalted to celebrate with simplicity and to always give precedence to Allah’s approval because our success depends on gaining the pleasure of Allah the Exalted and in bowing to Him. Therefore, this is the way we celebrate our weddings and the outsiders who attend, leave with a good impression.” (Friday Sermon, January 30, 2004, Baitul Futuh London, Al-Fazl International, April 9, 2004)
Comparing dancing at weddings to extreme obscenity, Huzoor Anwar(aba) directly addressed the Ahmadi ladies and strictly forbade them from participating in this disgraceful act. Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“In this context, I would like to add that some reports of dancing on weddings are being received. Exceedingly immodest display of the body is the highlight of dances. This is extreme impropriety. Remember that girls are not even allowed to dance in front of other girls. They make excuses that different body parts are moved during exercise as well. The first thing is that mostly women or girls exercise in privacy or in the presence of one or two others. To exercise while wearing revealing clothing, even if it is in front of girls or in gym clubs, is nothing but obscenity. Such exercises cannot be permitted either.
Secondly, emotions are completely different while dancing. When exercising, full attention is towards working out and no lewd or indecent thoughts come to mind, but the same is not true with dancing. If those who indulge in dancing do justice in reviewing themselves, they will realize what sensation overcomes them at that time. Moreover, exercise is not done on music or to the beat of a drum, whereas music is a must for dances and very vulgar songs are also played at weddings. There are many decent songs for the occasion of weddings and our Jama‘at has beautiful prayerful poems which should be recited at the time of the Rukhsati (bidding farewell) of the girl.” (Address to Ladies Jalsa Salana Germany September 1, 2007, Al-Fazl International, December 2, 2016)
During a Waqfaat-e-Nau class, Huzoor Anwar(aba) stressed upon the need of observance of Purda by the bride and the female participants at a wedding. He said:
“The fact is that Allah the Exalted has not mentioned anywhere that all those who are not the bride should observe Purda and the bride herself does not have to observe Purda—or the bride should adorn herself excessively. Fourteen hundred years ago, in the time of the Holy Prophet(sa), brides were bedecked and they wore nice clothes. A bride can sit in whatever way she wishes when she is seated among women. Look at the Christian brides in these countries. They also wear a type of white veil when going to the church for their marriage, and thus cover themselves. The point is that if even those for whom Purda is not a norm cover themselves at their weddings, then our brides should observe modesty all the more. Wearing a Dupatta and the face being uncovered while sitting in the ladies’ section is fine. However, if it [wearing only a Dupatta and leaving the face uncovered] is because they have returned from the beauty parlour after having their makeup done and have to go into the marriage hall, but do not want to cover themselves properly because it might smudge the makeup or disturb the setting of the jewellery, then it is wrong.
Therefore, cover up properly with the shawl and observe Purda while crossing the men to enter the marriage hall. When the bride comes back from the parlour after having her makeup done, dressed in a Gharara or whatever dress it may be, she should cover herself up with a shawl, for the distance from the car to the hall or crossing the men or perhaps on an elongated path. Once inside the hall and in the women’s section, she can take the covering off. Similarly, when departing with her groom, she should wear the shawl and then be seated in the car. It should not be that there are men present and everyone is watching her, and she is walking through them as people compliment her, and say she makes a beautiful bride. The beauty of an Ahmadi bride is that she is veiled as well.” (Waqfaat-e-Nau Class July 11, 2012, Baitul Islam mosque Canada, Al-Fazl International, September 28, 2012)
Women make different excuses to avoid Purda during various festivities. Huzoor Anwar(aba) rejected such excuses during a Friday sermon in light of the sayings of the Promised Messiah(as). He said:
“Here, I would like to explain that some women raise the question that we apply makeup and if we wear a Niqab (face covering), our makeup gets ruined. So, how should we do Purda? Now firstly, do not wear makeup, and if you do, then this is the minimum level of Purda as explained by the Promised Messiah(as) that the face and lips can be uncovered but the remaining face should be covered. (Excerpt from Review of Religions Vol. 4, No. 1, p. 17, January 1905)
And if you want to wear makeup, then you will have to cover (the face). They should decide whether, they will hide their beauty, in accordance with the teachings of Allah the Exalted, or if they will show their beauty and makeup to the world.” (Friday Sermon, January 13, 2017 Baitul Futuh London, Al-Fazl International, February 3, 2017)
As it can be noted, by not observing Purda, women’s jewellery is also on display. And this is also an inappropriate act. Therefore, in one of his Friday sermons, Huzoor Anwar(aba) advised the members of the Jama‘at in this regard. He said:
“In our society, people like to display jewellery and the like. Although due to the fear of thieves and robbers, it is not worn as much as it was in the past, but sometimes at weddings women have to go past men who are standing around. Thus, the display of jewellery happens at every step. This should also be avoided.” (Friday Sermon, January 30, 2004, Baitul Futuh London, Al-Fazl International, April 9, 2004)