Protecting Modesty By Shaykh al-Islam Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani’s Reflections on Women’s Roles in Modern Society
Shaykh al-Islam Hazrat Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (may his exalted blessings continue) says:
“The new civilization has a strange philosophy: if a woman prepares food at home for herself, her husband, and her children, it is considered outdated. But if the same woman becomes an air hostess and serves while becoming the target of hundreds of lustful gazes, then this is called freedom. If a woman stays at home and manages the household for her mother, father, sisters, and brothers, it is seen as imprisonment and humiliation. But if she becomes a salesgirl in shops, attracting customers with her smiles, or pampers her bosses in offices, then it is considered freedom.”
“This statement by Hazrat Shaykh al-Islam (may his exalted blessings continue) is the result of deeply heartfelt observation. I understand its meaning to be: ‘O Muslim girls! If you have to perform the same tasks outside the home that Islam has assigned to you—such as serving your husband, brothers, and father, and managing household affairs—then how excellent it would be if you do all this while staying at home. You will gain reward and your honor will increase.'”
“Otherwise, it is also a fact that when a woman steps out of the house, no matter how pure her intentions and noble her passion, she is bound to become the target of lustful gazes because it is impossible to purify the eyes of the entire society.”
“Just like a precious diamond placed without any protection in a crowded market—as a result of this carelessness and negligence, that precious diamond gets stolen. Upon its theft, people don’t feel that they should have valued the precious item; instead, they raise a clamor asking why there are thieves in society.”
“So look, friends! You cannot change society, and there’s no use in making a fuss about why there are bad people in it. But you can protect your diamond yourself, can’t you? And remember, when this diamond is stolen, there’s no benefit in regretting later.”
“So, value Islamic teachings, and before any loss occurs, act upon them and make them a part of your life. May Allah Almighty grant our sisters and daughters the ability to observe the Shariah veil (hijab). Ameen.”