Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) in a class with Waqfaat-e-Nau held at Baitul Islam Mosque in Canada, advised on various matters. It included very important words of advice regarding Purda. Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“Allah Almighty has clearly commanded that the honour and chastity of women should be preserved at two or three occasions in the Holy Quran. It requires covering of the head and wearing the Hijab and scarf. You, the Waqfaat-e-Nau, must set an example without any hesitation. There is no need to be scared of being bullied at school or being embarrassed on the streets. Set an example so that others can follow it. Regarding the manner in which you have covered your heads today, does anyone have a complex as to why our heads are covered? Those behind camera and those on security duty are also veiled very properly. I hope they also do not have any complex. This is God’s commandment and you will be safeguarded if you abide by it. You are under the pledge of Waqf (life-devotion) which means that you will excel others in fulfilling the commandments of Allah. Therefore, your Niqab and scarf should not come off. This is very important so that others can follow your example.
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said “You are under your parents till the age of 12 or 13. (At this age) you come to the class, very well wrapped in your scarves and look beautiful. Later on, as you grow older you gradually become apprehensive. Lajna president or secretary Tarbiyat should send me the list of older girls who regularly wear a scarf while those who do not should be asked to do so. Counsel them and if they do not bring about a change in themselves within a period of two months, send their names to me so that they may be expelled from Waqf-e-Nau.”
Later on, girls asked questions with the permission of Huzoor Anwar(aba). One Waqf-e-Nau enquired that there are girls in the Jama‘at who remove their veils when they go out, for example to shopping centres etc. They do not wear the Hijab correctly, but when they come to the mosque, they cover themselves properly. Is this an appropriate practice?
Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated: I think they do not (cover themselves properly) even when they come here. In my speech at the Jalsa, I urged women to cover their heads with a veil or Hijab. Later, when I stepped from the podium and took my seat, I sa at least four women who were leaving. Their hair was floating freely at the back and their heads were uncovered. This is the responsibility of Lajna’s Tarbiyat department, the president and the Tarbiyat office bearers should not resort to delivering speeches alone. Rather, they must be aware of what is being accomplished. Hence, I have asked you, the Waqfaat-e-Nau, who have presented yourself to reform the world, to establish such precedents as may leave others (non-Purda observing girls) ashamed of themselves. Let us see how many of you will succeed in doing so.”
Huzoor Anwar said: “There should be no hypocrisy. Therefore, I have already asked Lajna presidents to not to give any opportunity of serving Lajna, in any capacity, to those members whose Purda or Hijab is not proper, not even if they are highly educated, hardworking and have been serving the Jama‘at well. I feel I may have to constitute an exclusive team to make checks. I think I should select girls from Waqfaat-e-Nau and make my own team who will report to me about everyone’s behaviour. Your real mission is to become the helping hands of the Khalifa of the time. This is your greatest responsibility, and if you stand up to it, then I will assume that at least we have won over Canada.
I do not ask you to be confined and get so frustrated that you have no outlet to express your emotions, but there has to be a limit to it. Stay within bounds and do as you wish. Guard your modesty as it always enhances a woman’s dignity.
In earlier days even the Christian women used to be modest and wore long dresses. Those belonging to noble families had even more modesty, with sleeved outfits. They also wore scarves. Gradually women have gained liberty. A Christian woman in the UK has written an article that men who call for women’s freedom and assert that those who wish to unveil and expose themselves should be allowed to do so, are not actually longing for women’s liberation. Instead, they wish to fulfill their own desires. The same lady writes that women are fooled by men. Women have their own honour and so, be mindful that an Ahmadi woman must be highly chaste.” (Waqfaat-e-Nau Class Canada held on July 11, 2012, in Al-Fazl International, September 28, 2012)
During a tour of Germany, Huzoor Anwar(aba) answered questions from girls in a Waqfaat-e-Nau class. One girl asked a question about Facebook in that Huzoor Anwar(aba) has stated that it is not good and prohibited its use. On this, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“I did not say that if you do not leave it, you will be the sinner. Instead, I said that the harms of Facebook are greater and the benefit is little. The boys and girls who have Facebook accounts may come to a point where the vices tend to propagate. The boys make contacts and sometime girls get trapped and upload their immodest pictures on Facebook. You may have sent a casual picture to your friend and she may upload it on Facebook and from there it may reach Hamburg and then New York and Australia and so on. And then contacts develop from those countries. Then groups of men and women are formed who distort the pictures and blackmail further. Thus, vice propagates on. Therefore, it is
better not to indulge in such vices. I have to advise. The Holy Quran has instructed to go on advising. Those who do not follow are accountable for their own deeds. Facebook may be used for Tabligh. It is available on the Al Islam website where it is used for Tabligh. Girls are easily trapped. Anyone who admires you, makes you think that he is your well wisher. If parents give advice, you will argue that you are educated in Germany, whereas they have come from a village.
“The word of wisdom is the lost property of a Muslim, so that wherever he finds it, he should take it, as he is the most entitled to it.” (Tirmidhi)
This means that one should accept a good piece of advice, whomsoever it may have come from. All inventions by these people are not safe. Those (girls) who do not obey, later on cry out and write letters to me that they made a mistake and were trapped at a certain place. Even the founder of Facebook claimed that his mission was to present everyone naked in front of the world. Would an Ahmadi girl wish to be nude in front of the world? Those who do not listen, it is up to them.” (Waqfaat-e-Nau Class held on October 8, 2011 at Baitul Rashid Mosque Germany, Published Al-Fazl International, January 6, 2012)
A Waqfaat-e-Nau class was held in Baitun Noor Mosque Nunspeet, during Huzoor Anwar(aba) tour of Norway. A girl read out an article in this class on the topic of “Modesty and Chastity is the Honour and Identity of an Ahmadi girl.” After this, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“You have presented a very good article on Purda. However, good Purda is not established by reading a good article. Purda is a worldwide issue especially in Europe. There was a time when many Purda complaints were reported from Norway. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III(rh) delivered a very strict sermon in Norway and I referred to that sermon in my address. I had no personal experience (of Norway), however, in view of what was being said in those days, I had concluded that Purda was not being observed properly.
A Waqf-e-Nau girl came to meet me in London. Her coat had half sleeves and such Purda is of no use. Purda and dress of Waqfaat-e-Nau, especially when they grow up, should be exactly what has been described in this article. One should practice Haya (modesty) and when there is Haya, there will be an awareness of Purda.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “I enquired from the girl who came to meet me if she covered her head with a scarf or shawl. She only wore a thin Chunni or scarf on her head. However, she promised that she will observe Purda in future and I have gathered that she does observe Purda. Thus, until a sense of Purda is not developed in Waqfaat-e-Nau, loud words and poems with empty claims will yield nothing.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “(Women) in Norway are visiting me now. It seems that some women who came to meet me have worn their Niqab after a long time. I had meetings here six years ago, in 2005. Niqab is not something to be used after six years, only for meeting. It should be worn on a daily basis and Waqfaat-e-Nau should set examples of it.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated: “As I said that Waqfaat-e-Nau have to set examples, so you should not think that you are still young. Recently, I delivered the same message in Germany at the Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Ijtima‘ that youth should step forward if they feel that elders are not discharging their duties and responsibilities and are not following the Islamic teachings and are not serving the Jama‘at duly.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated: “The auxiliaries of Lajna and Nasirat were established for the same purpose and for the same reason Waqfaat-e-Nau are being accepted. Waqfaat-e-Nau cannot play an active role like the missionaries who are properly trained and are employed as Mubaligh; and where women cannot go alone, men can.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “Thus, Waqfaat-e-Nau girls have to be role models for women, girls and children. Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: I think all the girls here except one or two are older than 10 years.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) further said: “According to Islam, ten years is the age of maturity at which it becomes obligatory to offer prayers. Prayer is a worship of Allah that has to be offered five times a day and this worship has been made compulsory at the age of ten by Allah and His Messengersa, implying that all your actions are to change at this age.”
Huzoor Anwar said: “Girls say that they are still young; only eleven or twelve years old. So, we will wear a scarf or coat when we grow older. If the sense (of Purda) has not developed by ten years of age, then it will never develop after that age. Thus, always remember that Waqfaat-e-Nau have to be the role models for their people and nation.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said, “it has also been proclaimed (in a speech) that we will do Tabligh to our own people and to Norwegians, reaching up to the point in the North where the flag was hoisted in 2008. Revolutions are not brought about by hoisting a single flag or setting an exhibition or by giving a copy of the Holy Quran to someone. There should be a follow-up of these (efforts). (We) must regularly review how fruitful the steps are we have taken. Thus, a lecture or a speech can never and will never inculcate Purda until everyone develops a sense in their heart that they will practice what they hear.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “Instead of watching a TV drama before going to bed (if there is a good TV drama which is not obscene you may watch it), or spending long hours on the Internet, develop a habit of sleeping on time so that you can wake up for prayer. And before sleeping, think about all that you have done during the day and ask yourself how many of the tasks essential for a Waqf-e-Nau have we accomplished today? Have we offered the obligatory prayers? Recitation of the Holy Quran has been enjoined, but have we recited it? Furthermore, have we pondered over any injunction of the Holy Quran and studied the message and the meaning narrated therein?”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “In the future you are going to teach and train others. It is not enough that a Waqif-e-Nau will be a doctor or a teacher, or at least, after some basic education, she will get married and settle in her home. On the contrary, you people have to set your example everywhere. So, there is a need to look for these examples, and that is not possible until you examine yourself, every night, before sleeping.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “If someone else gives an account of you, he may tell a lie. But when you do it yourself, you cannot speak falsely. When you review your own self, keeping in mind that Allah is watching you, then staying steadfast in righteousness, you will do it truthfully, because we can neither cheat ourselves nor can Allah the Almighty be cheated.” (Waqfaat-e-Nau class, Norway held on September 28, 2011, Al-Fazl International, December 2, 2011)
During the Germany tour, a class of Waqfaat-e-Nau for older than fifteen years was held with Huzoor Anwar(aba) in which he gave them precious guidance and said:
“Allah the Almighty has particularly elaborated the importance of Purda in the Holy Quran. Sometimes, a misunderstanding arises among women, girls and children and they question: why is the command of Purda only meant for us?; men should also be commanded to observe Purda. Whereas in fact, the instruction for men to keep their gazes down, in a way that Haya exudes from them, was given before Purda was prescribed for women. The verse prior to this instructs men to keep their eyes down and not to gaze here and there without reason and also avoid glancing at women. So, in the first place, the directive is for men and then later for women, to lower their gazes and not to reveal their beauty. Then it has been further explained that you cover your heads and keep all those body parts hidden which are in need of Purda. Do not reveal to outsiders what you may reveal to your parents, brothers or close relatives. And as you know, only the face is uncovered in front of them and not the private parts, hands are revealed, and at times the head may be without a Dupatta, but that is not a big issue. Of course, the face can be seen, but no one exposes the body to fathers and brothers. Every wise person follows this, but it has been commanded that the level of your Purda should be increased when you go out of your homes.”
Advising Waqfaat-e-Nau, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “Waqfaat-e-Nau must keep in mind that they should be the role model in every situation. They have to be an example for others. Therefore, in this society where there is vocal objection to Purda, you have to maintain it along with Haya, as Purda is not accomplished merely by wearing a Hijab. In the absence of Haya (self restraint), males and females will not segregate their mutual interactions. There ought to be a barrier so that none dares to cast an evil eye on a girl. The precedents of the Waqfaat-e-Nau will be the cause of reformation of others in the future. Therefore, always remember that your Purda should be in accordance with the Quranic injunction that a woman’s or a girl’s adornment and beauty should not be revealed to others when she goes out. The head should be covered and the hair and face are also ordained to be in Purda. Covering of the nose is not essential. If makeup has not been applied, then Purda of the chin, forehead and hair will suffice. However, if makeup has been applied, then the face has to be covered. This is how standards improve for everyone, as some girls come from Pakistan wearing a Niqab (face-covering) and Burqa and switch to a scarf after coming here. This is an incorrect practice. If you have adopted a good standard of Purda, then you must maintain it. It should improve instead of deteriorating from good to bad. Just now an African program for boys was being telecast. When pagan, atheist or Christian girls accept Islam, their level of Purda is very low. However, for them to even cover themselves and to dress up properly is equivalent to good Purda. When some of them advance further in spirituality, they even start wearing the Burqa. Thus, the level of a good believing woman should always rise. The Waqfaat should always bear in mind that they are role models for others. You are watched by other girls and women. If your exemplary model is not established, then all is in vain.
Now some people complain that some office bearers or their daughters wear jeans and so on and so forth. What if any one of you wears skinny jeans? The issue is that there is no harm in wearing jeans. But any tight fitted dress which enhances body contours is prohibited. In India, tight pyjamas are customary, however while going out, a Burqa or a long coat is worn or a shawl which covers at-least down to the knees must be worn. Jeans that are worn with long shirts are appropriate. However, if a girl goes out wearing jeans with a small blouse and only a Hijab over the head, it serves no purpose. No doubt you have covered your head, but not your body; and observing Haya is the real objective. The true purpose is to elevate the standard of Haya which maintains the honour of a woman.
Similarly, a few days earlier, a program of non-Ahmadi Muslims was being telecast on the TV. Some women who were new converts to Islam said that they feel safer in covering themselves up. In fact, a Christian English woman who was a journalist also spoke. She said that men have been protesting against segregation and claim to be the emancipators of women. Although she was a non-Muslim, she declared, ‘Having seen Purda and hearing all this, I understand that Purda is being stripped away in the West and men have done so, not for freedom of women, but for their own lust and visual gratification.’ Thus, always remember that women have a sanctity that must be upheld. Waqfaat-e-Nau have to set up examples for upholding chastity in every way and regarding every situation.
I have touched upon this since Purda is an issue these days. The standard of everything you do, of your worship and practice of other commandments should be high. As I said, the Promised Messiah(as) has even gone to the extent that anyone who does not abide by the 700 commandments [of the Holy Quran] is not from my community. It is your duty to make efforts to locate those commandments in whatever circumstances you live and where ever you live and then set up examples for other Ahmadi girls and Ahmadi women. Ponder over it and if it is materialized, you will then champion the revolution, InshaAllah.” (Class Waqfaat-e-Nau held on June 19, 2011, Al-Fazl International, August 12, 2011)
A class of Waqfaat-e-Nau was held with Huzoor Anwar(aba) in Bait-ul-Rashid Mosque, Hamburg, Germany. Giving valuable guidance to Waqfaat-e-Nau girls in this class, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “Every Ahmadi Waqifa has a special dignity. Keeping this dignity in view, she should adopt only those fashions which fulfill the conditions of Purda. These days it is trendy to wear a Shalwar [Pants worn in South Asia] which is above the ankle and that is also inappropriate.”
Giving guidance about male classmates, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “If at times you need to ask something related to your studies, you can ask. You may participate in class discussions etc. Besides this, you should not have any type of interaction with them. This should not happen that you first speak to them about studies and then start going out with them on various occasions like picnics etc., this is not allowed at all.” (Class Waqfaat-e-Nau Germany held on August 14, 2008 at Baitul Rashid Mosque, Hamburg, Al-Fazl International, September 12, 2008)
The class of Waqfaat-e-Nau girls in Germany was held in Baitus Subuh Mosque, Frankfurt. In this class, Huzoor Anwar(aba) gave important guidance to girls. He said:
“As compared to other girls, a Waqf-e-Nau girl has a distinct and special place. She should always remember that she has to keep herself safe from all vices and vain pastimes and has to follow what Allah has commanded. The way you are sitting here today with your heads covered should not be insincere, it should not involve hypocrisy. When you go out, go to stores, shopping, for an excursion, older girls should also then have on their heads a scarf, Hijab, or Dupatta; your example will be beneficial for others. You are the cream of the girls of the Jama‘at, therefore, remember that position too. Keep in mind that you have a special status and always safeguard it. Every Ahmadi girl has her own honour which she should safeguard, but a Waqf-e-Nau girl should excel in taking care of herself, being punctual in prayers, in the recitation of the Holy Quran, in acting upon its teachings and in avoiding all vain pastimes, which include inappropriate fashions as well. I mentioned this in Hamburg and here too, that the girls who have reached maturity, wear coats for the sake of Purda. The coat should not be clinging to the body, instead it should be a little loose with sleeves up to the wrists. This will reflect that you are different from others. Always pay attention to all these points and focus on your studies.” (Class Waqfaat-e-Nau Germany held on August 20, 2008, Al-Fazl International, October 10, 2008)
During his tour of France, while giving valuable guidance in a Waqfaat-e-Nau class, Huzoor Anwar(aba) spoke about observing Purda in educational institutions: “Girls who are studying in colleges and universities should always remember that every Ahmadi girl has to maintain her honour and should come to the realization that being Ahmadis, they are different from others. Furthermore, the Waqfaat-e-Nau girls should outrank them in maintaining their honour and taking care of themselves, since in the future they have to serve and also morally train the Jama‘at. So, always be careful when you go to the marketplace, cover your head with a scarf or wear a Hijab, regardless of the others liking or disliking it.” Then he stated, “There are private schools where there are no such prohibitions and those who can afford the cost can study there. If there is difficulty in schools, then the scarf may be taken off during school time, but not after. As you come out of school, wear your Hijab or scarf.” (Class Waqfaat-e-Nau France held on October 10, 2008, Al-Fazl International, November 14, 2008)
Similarly, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said to the Waqfaat-e-Nau on another occasion: “To be a role model, it is important that you are well-versed in your faith, pay attention to prayers, recite the Holy Quran daily, and are regular in wearing the Hijab or scarf and observe proper Purda. If you are wearing a Hijab and the face is uncovered, then makeup should not be worn; but if makeup is worn, then you will have to cover the face. Thus, always remember all these points.” (Class Waqfaat-e-Nau , October 8, 2011 held at Bait-ul-Rashid, Germany, Al-Fazl International, January 6, 2012)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba), referring to his successful tour of European countries, gave important guidance to members of the Jama‘at in matters regrading to Tarbiyat (moral training). Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated: “Norway is also one of those European countries where generally attention needs to be drawn towards Tarbiyat (moral training). Although they tend to be drawn towards materialism, this time, after advising them, I noticed a sense of guilt and Haya (modesty), and even regret, in the eyes of men, women and children. There was an indication of a promise and a determination to get rid of their weaknesses. Especially the Waqifeen-e-Nau and the Waqfaat-e-Nau expressed these views after I made them aware of their responsibilities during their class. The Waqfaat-e-Nau have particularly expressed firm determination and have promised to change their state, as well as the state of their environment. They also proclaimed their guilt about their shortcomings and mistakes in matters concerning the display of Purda, the attire and the dignity of an Ahmadi girl, and assured that not only will they remove these mistakes, but will also set examples in their own environment, in the environment of the Jama‘at and even outside the Jama‘at. May Allah enable them and grant every Ahmadi boy and girl the ability to become an ideal model of Ahmadiyyat, since reformation of our girls and women guarantees reformation of the future generations, with the blessings of the Almighty. Anyway, I have noticed great improvement in Norway’s Jama‘at in many ways, in the last five years.” (Friday Sermon, October 21, 2011 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, November 11, 2011)
In his numerous addresses on the occasions of Waqfaat-e-Nau Ijtima‘at, Huzoor Anwar(aba) has drawn the attention of the girls and their mothers towards their responsibilities regarding their Tarbiyat (moral training). Thus, while giving precious guidance on one occasion, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“Some very young girls are also sitting here in front of me and probably they are less than twelve years in age. They should also remember that it is essential for every Ahmadi girl to safeguard her Haya. Even an eight, nine or ten-year-old girl must take special care of the modesty of her attire. Their mothers have pledged that they are a part of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme. They need to instill in the minds of these girls that they will always dress according to the demand of modesty and humility. Although it is essential to maintain modesty in the clothing of all the Ahmadi girls, it is even more important for the Waqfaat-e-Nau to have total awareness in this regard. If they are made aware of it at an early age, they will have no hesitation or inferiority complex in observing Purda when they grow up... even eight, nine or ten-year-old girls should adopt reasonable fashions. By the grace of Allah, even the younger Ahmadi girls are very intelligent. Thus, they should acquire religious knowledge and adopt positive and worthwhile trends. It is important for a young girl to listen carefully to the pious guidance of her parents and try to act upon it.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) specifically addressed the mothers and said: “Some mothers are also present here. I want to remind them of their responsibilities. Your children will learn good things only if you establish your own good model in front of them. Therefore, it is essential that you embrace virtues and adorn your homes with good morals and integrity.
“...It is my prayer that all members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme fulfill those expectations which their parents associated with them when they pledged their lives for the service of Islam and the Jama‘at. I pray that you are able to achieve the noble values which the Jama‘at and the Khalifa of the time expect from you. May God enable all the members of this blessed scheme to achieve the high goals for which their parents dedicated their lives. May God enable them to spend their lives in the light of the beautiful teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa), and may Allah the Exalted award all the members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme with blessings and benevolence. Ameen!” (Address at National Ijtima‘ Waqfaat-e-Nau UK held on February 27, 2016, Maryam Magazine Issue April-June 2016)
While advising respected missionaries and their wives to be pious models and outstanding examples for the community members, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“I will say one more thing to the missionaries and their wives as well. They should take special precautions in their clothing and their gazes. Their examples are noticed by the Jama‘at. The wife of a Missionary or Mubaligh is also a Missionary and she should be an excellent example in every aspect. May Allah the Exalted enable our men and women to establish high standards of Haya and may we all abide by the Islamic commandments in every way.” (Friday Sermon, January 13, 2017 delivered at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, February 3, 2017)
Lajna office bearers should also have exemplary Purda. Therefore, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“If someone is a Lajna office bearer, they will have to be mindful of the Quranic commandment of Purda, otherwise they will not be fulfilling the responsibility they have been entrusted with. There are other commandments, but women have been given an additional command of Purda as compared to men. Now and then there are complaints from Norway regarding Purda. At one time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III(rh) also warned them firmly. Likewise, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV(rh) also kept on advising them. But you who are the office bearers, your Purda is substandard even now, and men and women mix freely, visit each other’s homes unrestrained and unrestricted, and party together while not being related, call so and so ‘brother’ and so and so ‘uncle’, and say that there is no need of Hijab, and forge similar relationships. Beware that the Holy Quran negates this and firmly commands a believing woman that Purda and Hijab are mandatory. Your glory lies in the display of Haya.
If Lajna office bearers at all levels, local, regional or national, adopt proper Purda and their attitudes are in alliance with the Islamic teachings, then a sizable population will become role models for the rest of the members and for their own children and for their surroundings. A Lajna office bearer can pay the dues of her trust only when, along with following other teachings, she is observing proper Purda too. I become aware of the state of Purda of some members during meetings with me when they find it difficult to handle the Niqab (face covering) and the handling of the Niqab is also telling tales that it has been worn after a long time. Anyhow, it is the duty of an office bearer as well as an ordinary Ahmadi woman to pay the dues of their trusts.
Nowadays, those who have a modern line of thought proclaim that Purda and Hijab are not needed any longer, and this is an outdated command. But let me make it clear that no commandment of the Holy Quran is outdated and neither was it only for any specific era or for specific people. Ahmadi men and women express their attachment with Khilafat with great enthusiasm. Allah the Almighty has stated in the Holy Quran that Khilafat will continue, but pious deeds and worship are the prerequisites. In two verses preceding the verse of Surah An-Nur in which this promise has been made, Allah the Exalted has asked not to make tall claims, rather, exhibit 
, which means obedience in general. Obey every command which is in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Messenger of Allahsa. Comply with the command and be dutiful. When a commandment of the Holy Quran or the Prophet of Allahsa is presented to you, act upon it promptly.
I have explicitly explained it many times. Thus, where alongside men, women make efforts to raise the standards of their worship, strive for improvement in their faith, they should also make efforts to act upon the specific commandments which are meant for women. At this point, I would like to clarify that although the commandment to cover themselves is meant for women, the injunction to lower their gazes and avoid free mixing is for both men and women. Rather, the commandment to lower gazes has been prescribed for men first and then later for women, to prevent men from looking around immodestly.” (Friday Sermon, September 30, 2011 delivered at Oslo Mosque, Norway, Al-Fazl International, October 21, 2011)
In light of the Islamic teachings, Haya is actually an adornment for women. In this context, Huzoor Anwar(aba) addressed Ahmadi women and said:
“Purda is an Islamic commandment which has been detailed in the Holy Quran. Therefore, do not take off your coats and Hijabs under the influence of society. I have noticed that some women walk around in the streets with only a sheer Dupatta. This is not in keeping with the teachings of Purda. Some wear sleeveless shirts, and many wear coats that are above their knees. They are inclined more towards fashion rather than Purda. Observe Purda keeping in view that Haya is part of faith and the Holy Prophet(sa) has said that Haya is one of the specifics of Islam. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Iman, Baab Al Hayau Minal Iman; Hadith #24)
The Haya of a woman is her dignity, honour and her mannerisms. Always keep this in mind.
It is a lack of concern and attention to Purda that even now I have seen several women entering the hall with bare heads. They are coming for the Jalsa. They are coming to listen to Jalsa bearing in mind that they are coming to a chaste environment, and yet their hair is loose. They feel that hair styles can be protected by keeping the head uncovered and not wearing a scarf over it. There is no point in coming to Jalsa with uncovered heads. It is better for them to stay at home and not cast a bad influence on the vast majority of the women with covered heads around them.
So, make sure to pay attention to this that you have to safeguard your modesty yourself. Haya is a woman’s ornament and adornment. More than makeup, Haya is your real ornament and adornment. Do not assume that we cannot integrate in this society if we observe Purda. This is absolutely wrong. I know many women, and several are pursuing very noble professions and they wear long coats and Hijab, even during work hours. However, while wearing a coat, it is essential to cover the head, the hair and the chin with a Hijab, provided you do not apply makeup. If you wish to go out with makeup on, then you must cover your face. Similarly, Islam prohibits interactions without reason and unnecessary conversations with men. If these trivialities are not attended to now, then they will propagate further and may lead to the establishment of a society, similar to the immodest society now prevalent in the West.
Thus, do not look down upon any of the commandments of the Holy Quran. Do not assume that it is an obsolete command or that it is meant for Pakistan or the Asian countries only. This is an Islamic command and is for all times and for all countries and for the Ahmadi Muslim woman of every country. I repeatedly draw attention towards it, at various places, since this weakness is increasing and if this state continues, then there is no guarantee of Haya in our future generations. They will walk along the streets with their hair down, wearing jeans and blouses or miniskirts, and then they cannot be called Ahmadi, and they will also leave Ahmadiyyat.
So, be sensible and save yourself from sinking into the world of immodesty, greed and lust. Otherwise, sanctity of Haya cannot be guaranteed in the future generations. Thus, if you are desirous of Allah the Almighty’s consent and favour, then strictly safeguard Haya. The Holy Prophet(sa), once said, ‘Haya is all good.’ (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Eman, Bab Bayan Adad Shoub Iman Hadith #157) (Address to Ladies at Jalsa Canada held on July 7, 2012, Al-Fazl International, November 23, 2012)
Huzoor Anwar(aba) has repeatedly addressed women with great concern and given them guidance on matters related to Tarbiyat (moral training). An excerpt from such an address is presented for our readers. The guidance given herein needs to be kept in view always. Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated: “It should always be remembered that faith in Allah is solidified only when we believe that Allah is watching us all the time. Some evils originate because the wrongdoer assumes that no one is watching them. At such a time, one forgets that Allah the Almighty says: 
(”Allah sees what you do.” [Surah At-Taghabun, 64:3])
Thus, faith in Allah means that a man does everything bearing fear of Allah in his heart. For example, if Allah has enjoined Purda, then the injunction is not only for coming to Jalsa, or to Jama‘at events in the mosque, or when you come to meet me. Allah the Almighty has clearly stated for the wives of believers in the Holy Quran that 
(Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:60) that the wives of believers should cover themselves with Jalbab (outer covering) when they go out of their homes.
This is the identity of the wives of the believers. The wives of believers are also believers. In marital affairs too, the command is to marry the believing women and the believing women are commanded to marry the believing men. Therefore, Purda is not for specific occasions. Instead it is mandatory for every woman when she is going out of her house, provided she is a believer, has reached maturity, claims to obey Allah and His Messenger(sa) and considers herself to be in the Jama‘at of the Promised Messiah(as). This command is also for those men who make their wives discard Purda because they feel embarrassed at being called backward by society due to their wives’ strict adherence to Purda. Here in Europe, objection to Purda is raised every now and then and France is in the forefront in this regard. The issue usually initiates from there. Then a group of people from amongst the Muslims supporting Purda put up a rebellious protest. They mostly have people with covered faces and in their midst are women who otherwise roam about on the streets with uncovered faces and in embarrassing attire. This is due to a lack of guidance and their reaction is just a temporary excitement in response to restrictions imposed on Purda.
However, an Ahmadi woman and a young Ahmadi girl who has reached the age of maturity must remember that Purda is part of her faith. It is one of the commandments of the Holy Quran. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, most of the Ahmadi girls understand this reality. Some time ago a tide against Purda arose in France. A Waqif-e-Nau girl who is doing a Masters in journalism wrote a letter to a newspaper that on one hand, Europe raises the slogans of freedom of the individual and freedom of religion and on the other hand, it restricts Purda, which is one of the Islamic commandments and which women who observe Purda willingly choose and consider as an essential practice according to Divine commandments. It proves that Europe’s claim of giving religious freedom is merely a hollow claim and does not carry any weight. Nowadays a majority of Muslim women do not observe Purda and currently even their clothing, as seen in some TV programs, has become so revealing that one feels embarrassed. In spite of this, they are called Muslims. This is what it means to have a foot in both camps; they have neither faith left nor Islam, and yet they are called Muslims.”
However, an Ahmadi woman who has accepted the Promised Messiah(as) must always remember that she has not accepted Ahmadiyyat just to ensure the reputation of her parents, and neither to stamp a label of Ahmadiyyat on herself since she was fortunate to be born in an Ahmadi home, and thus has no alternative except to declare herself an Ahmadi because of her immediate and extended family members who are Ahmadis. Therefore, always take care that an Ahmadi woman must be aware of the teachings of Ahmadiyyat and the strength of her faith. The dignity of an Ahmadi requires that after taking Bai‘at of the Promised Messiah(as), she should make her faith so strong that no material desire may displace her or disturb her faith.” (Address to Ladies at Jalsa Salana U.K held on July 25, 2009 Published Al-Fazl International, June 21, 2013)
During his tour of Germany, Huzoor Anwar(aba) gave important directions regarding Tarbiyat (moral training) of children, Purda and Facebook in a meeting held with National Majlis ‘Amila Lajna Ima’illah. He said:
“Every woman or young girl who goes to the marketplace in everyday life and her coat is not even knee length, does not wear a scarf over her head and the hair is also uncovered, does not have a Dupatta on her shoulders and over the bosom, is actually not observing Purda and cannot be an office bearer.”
The [national] president said that one of the [local] presidents has reported that the percentage of Purda observing women in her Majlis is very low. At this, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“If the percentage is low, then the president alone can look after all offices. If there are five or six Purda observing women, they can have all offices, leaving out the rest. Again, if the president is the only one (observing true Purda), she can hold all offices herself. A member may be given an office if she promises to improve herself and bring about a change in herself within a month. In the first place, the change should be overnight; anyhow, review the situation in a month and if there is no change, then remove her from her office.” (Meeting National Majlis ‘Amila, Germany held on June 17, 2011, Al-Fazl International, July 22, 2011)
In Norway, Huzoor Anwar(aba) reviewed various Tarbiyat (moral training) issues in his meeting with National Majlis ‘Amila and gave valuable guidance for the Tarbiyat of Ahmadi women and girls. Huzoor Anwar(aba) said:
“Someone asked me in America that girls do not bother to observe Purda and wear jeans with blouses, so what should be done in this regard? I told them that they should be inculcating the habit from their childhood, from the age of five to six years. By seven years, a girl should know that she cannot wear a short length shirt, her shirt has to be long and jeans are not to be worn with a blouse. Sometimes she should wear a scarf as well so that she will not be reluctant to do so at the age of ten. If you do not follow this strategy, then she may say that she is only ten or eleven or twelve years old. The trend of sleeveless dresses also diminishes Haya. And the absence of Haya will ruin everything. Then they will never acquire the habit of Purda. Therefore, inculcating the habit of Purda and Haya should start from an early age. The Tarbiyat of Nasirat is very important. Only then can you save your children from the influences of the environment. Nasirat are the greatest responsibility.”
On the presentation of the report of Secretary Tabligh, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “For general Tabligh, women should participate in the scheme of the distribution of leaflets, but not accompanied by men. In the UK, the responsibility of the distribution of leaflets in primary schools and in homes has been given to women, and they go out for it. The families were made responsible for bigger places where men and women could go together, however, these men and women should be relatives. Unrelated men and women should not go together. Women can be assigned primary schools or the women’s section of a church during church events or houses where they have acquaintances or to slot flyers in mailboxes, etc. Anyway, keep in mind that women have to do Tabligh in segregation and will have to make separate arrangements and not jointly with men. Although the work will be the same, it should be done separately.”
When Secretary Tabligh talked about writing articles for newspapers and magazines, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “Make the female students’ organization active.”
The president said that co-education is so common here that boys always come to any event which students organize at the university. At this, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “That is fine. Boys do come, and if need be, girls may deliver a lecture on Islam while wearing their Hijab. The girls will come with their fellow students and they are already classmates. Delivering lectures on Islam while observing Purda will make them aware of their own condition as well. However, this is not an unrestricted permission. Markaz (central office) should have control, because if you give an inch, they will take a mile.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) further stated: “University going students between 16-18 years demand some freedom. They should be engaged in discussions on topics such as: why should our clothing be proper? Why should it be covered? Why is the Hijab essential? And what role can an Ahmadi girl play in the European campaign against the Hijab. The habit of recitation of the Holy Quran is important and the commandments of the Holy Quran related to women need to be comprehended. Another question which is raised is why women are commanded to observe Purda; why not for men? Although men have been commanded to observe Ghadd-e-Basar (to keep their gazes lowered) in the first place. Some questions are raised about inheritance, as to why the share of men is more than that of women. You need to compile such questions carefully, and then arrange for the girls to have discussions on them.”
Secretary Tarbiyat said that Hazrat Syeda Apa Jan gave some examples when she visited Lajna. She said that culture is thrust upon new Ahmadi girl converts, which is not appropriate. Try to adopt modest attire. The tight pajamas worn nowadays seem to be a little improper, but it was different in our times. In those days, it was customary to wear a full-length Burqa, so the requirement of ‘at least knee length and covered dress’ was met with ease.
Secretary Tarbiyat said that girls wear tights these days and we are working hard in this regard. At this, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “If, while wearing tights they put on shirts which fall below the knees, then there is no harm in wearing them. The real issue is that the shirt should be long. I have said that it is fine if the girls wear jeans and even skinny jeans, provided a long shirt is worn over them. Either wear long shirts or a long coat while going out. Actually, try to assess what the real essence of Purda is. Allah Almighty says that your Purda is to hide such adornment from non-relatives and outsiders which you may reveal to your parents and siblings.”
Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “If an immodest dress is being worn at home, then the home attire should also be checked. If a young girl is walking around in her house wearing jeans or tights with a blouse, but without a Hijab in the presence of her father or a grown-up brother, then she will be lacking in Haya. The real thing is Haya (self-restraint) and efforts should be made to inculcate the essence of Haya. It matters not if tight pajamas are being worn these days since they were worn earlier as well. However, there is a difference between tight Chooridar pajamas of the past and the tights which are worn these days. Chooridar pajama does not reveal the contours of the legs because it has a uniform shape from the ankle to the calf and up to the knee. Such is not the case with tights which reveal the shape of the entire leg, from calf to ankle. Thus, there is a need to tell the difference between the two. Try to bring awareness to girls that Haya is important: 
which means, “Haya/modesty is a part of faith.” Therefore, if you promote Haya then your dress and Purda will automatically become proper.
Answering a question that some mothers support their daughters, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “Counsel the mothers who are supporting their girls. The Holy Qurān does not say to give a physical punishment. The Holy Qurān states: 
meaning that your job is to go on reminding. You are a counselor, and not a custodian. Thus, it is the duty of the office bearers to go on advising about anything wrong which they notice. And in regard to it, look at what the Holy Quran says, what the Holy Prophet(sa) has said about it, and what the Promised Messiah(as) has taught about it.
There are various levels of Purda. I have given this example previously as well. An Egyptian man accepted Ahmadiyyat in London. He asked me to pray for his mother so that she also accepts Ahmadiyyat. I told him to bring his mother to the mosque. His mother went to the mosque and noticed Purda of the women there. She said that as far as the teachings are concerned, they are accurate and she agreed with them. However, Ahmadi women do not observe Purda. Her standard of Purda was the Hijab which Arab women wear; it covers the forehead and the hair cannot be seen from the front or the back. Purda, to an extent, is also for hair. Thus, it is inappropriate to wear a small Hijab for fashion and leave hair loose for showing off.” (Meeting National Majlis ‘Amila Norway, held on October 2, 2011, Al-Fazl International, December 23, 2011)