Oppression
Being part of the society in which we live, the notions of modesty and righteousness may seem outdated. Today’s woman—modern, cultured, and unshackled—is paradoxically more oppressed than any woman in the most culturally restrictive village of Afghanistan.
This oppression does not stem from an inability to choose one’s clothing, lifestyle, or companions. Rather, it lies in our inability to recognize the encroachments upon the peace and tranquility of a virtuous society and to expose the true face of its gradual decline. True oppression is the belief that a woman’s beauty is a public commodity, and that admiration of beauty is synonymous with respect.
Illusions
If one steps outside the society or circle in which they live, they may begin to perceive realities that are otherwise obscured by their immersion in it. It becomes evident that the highest-paid women are often those who expose themselves to public display—such as actresses, models, and even strip-tease dancers. If, somehow, one manages to detach themselves from this societal circle for a while, they may recognize that the dynamics between men and women are unfairly skewed in favor of men.
A woman may dress to attract a man, believing she is living according to her own wishes or desires. However, the painful reality—whether one chooses to believe it or not—is that a woman often feels pleased when admired by a man, while a man admires a woman who exposes herself to him, catering to his impious desires. This is not liberty; rather, it is exploitation of women by men, an exploitation that women mistakenly perceive as approval.
Just as a person who has never been clean cannot recognize their own filth, an oppressed individual cannot comprehend their oppression until they emerge from its darkness. Protecting oneself and society is not oppression; true oppression is willingly plunging into the quagmire while denying its filth. A woman should be valued by society for her intellect, soul, and heart, rather than her physical beauty or societal hype.
Self Respect
A woman earns respect through her self-respecting attitude, by refusing to become a source of amusement or pleasure for lewd men. A thoughtful mind, an insightful heart, and an untainted soul should guide one to analyze events and adopt a suitable lifestyle, rather than blindly following societal trends or what is in vogue. The metaphorically ignorant—those who are deaf, dumb, blind, and devoid of wisdom—persist in following the practices of their forefathers, even though their ancestors lacked wisdom and guidance. 1
Ask the women who have surpassed the age of being considered stunning, pretty, or appealing about the fleeting nature of physical beauty. Regardless of their character and spirit, they understand the transient nature of physical attractiveness.
Bondage
A woman should be able to conduct a thorough analysis of the prevailing trends in dress, attire, and interactions with men in society, tracing the origins of these customs and relationships. In doing so, she may uncover certain hidden truths that were previously unknown to her. Why is a woman enticed to wear clothing that exposes her to the gaze of men? Modern women may refute this notion, asserting that their choice of attire is entirely their own—an exercise of free will. However, the undeniable reality remains that these choices are often shaped by societal forces, designed to cater to the immodest desires of men.
Men have deceived women by entrapping them in a cycle of admiration and glorification. Has a man ever truly praised a woman for her good heart, pure soul, or virtuous character? Instead, a woman’s physical beauty is celebrated because it aligns with the self-serving desires of men.
It is time for us, as members of society, to take account of our actions, reestablish long-forgotten principles of morality, and discern between what is truly right and wrong. Only by doing so can we adopt a way of life that lifts us out of the moral quagmire in which society is currently sinking.
Vices and Virtues
Virtuous women are advised to lower their gaze, guard their modesty, and refrain from displaying their beauty and ornaments, except what may ordinarily appear thereof. They should cover themselves appropriately with care, casting their outer garments over their persons when outside. This practice is the most suitable way to ensure they are recognized for their virtue and protected from harm. They should not be seen without proper covering except by their husbands, fathers, husbands’ fathers, sons, husbands’ sons, brothers, brothers’ sons, sisters’ sons, or small children who have no sense of modesty regarding gender. Moreover, they should not strike their feet in a manner that draws attention to their concealed adornments. ²
As for elderly women who have passed the prospect of marriage, there is no fault in them if they choose to lay aside their outer garments, provided they do not make a wanton display of their beauty. However, remaining modest is still the best course for them. ³ Women who embrace this guidance will attain true bliss.
Impure women are for impure men, and impure men are for impure women; whereas women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity. ⁴
Dignified Women
The most revered women are those who believe in God, who are devout, truthful, patient, steadfast, humble, generous in charity, who fast and practice self-discipline, who guard their chastity, and who frequently engage in praising God. For such women, God has prepared forgiveness and a magnificent reward—far more valuable than mere worldly wealth. ⁵
For a society striving for moral purity, chastity remains the most valuable virtue—for both men and women—at all stages of life: before marriage, during marriage, and even after its dissolution. Those guilty of illicit practices must be excluded from the marriage circle of chaste individuals. A woman deserves to be safeguarded with utmost care, and the gravest offenders are those who humiliate women by spreading slanders or making scandalous insinuations about them without sound reasoning.
If anything is said against a woman’s chastity, it should be supported by evidence twice as strong as would ordinarily be required for business transactions, or even in murder cases. Failing such preponderating evidence, the slanderer should himself be treated as a wicked transgressor and punished severely. ⁶ Slandering chaste women and chaste men must be punished; however, slandering women is particularly abhorrent.
Women as Mothers
As mothers, the best women are those who, rather than simply conforming to societal norms, guide their children—the future of humanity—toward wisdom and righteousness. They impart valuable teachings, saying:
“O my child! Even if an action weighs no more than a mustard seed and is concealed within a rock, anywhere in the heavens or on earth, it will one day be brought forth—so take full account of your deeds.”
“O my child! Enjoin what is just and forbid what is wrong, and bear with patient perseverance whatever befalls you, for this is true determination in conducting affairs.”
“Do not turn your cheek in arrogance toward others, nor walk with insolence upon the earth—for pride is harmful, and you can neither split the earth asunder nor reach the heights of mountains.”
“Be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice—for the harshest of sounds, without doubt, is the braying of a donkey.”
“Do you not see that all things in the heavens and on earth flow to you in abundance, both visible and hidden? Yet, among people, there are those who refuse to understand and deny reality, acting in arrogance without knowledge or guidance.” ⁷
The Guidance
It is crucial to acknowledge that there is only one absolute reality, and whatever else is invoked besides that, is falsehood. ⁸ This supreme reality is most high, most great, exalted in power, and full of wisdom. Even if all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean were ink, with seven more oceans added to its supply, that reality would remain beyond complete expression in writing. ⁹
This reality is the one who spoke to one of His beloved humans—the son of a woman chosen above all others:
“O Jesus, son of Mary! Recount My favor to you and your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit so that you spoke to people in childhood and maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book, Wisdom, the Law, and the Gospel. Behold! By My permission, you shaped a bird from clay, breathed into it, and it became a living creature. By My permission, you healed those born blind and cured the lepers. Behold! You even brought forth the dead—by My permission.” ¹⁰
Virtuous Beings
The most honorable members of society are those who, rather than seeking admiration, humble themselves, avoid vain talk, and remain actively engaged in acts of kindness. These are the ones who abstain from sexual relations except within the sacred bond of marriage, for those who exceed these limits are transgressors. They are the ones who faithfully uphold their trust and commitments. ¹¹
These are the ones who walk the earth in humility, and when addressed by the ignorant, they gracefully avoid them.
These are the ones who spend a portion or all of the night in devotion, contemplation, and positive reflection. They seek to protect themselves from the consequences of grievous affliction, which is truly an evil state to live in or rest within.
These are the ones who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly but maintain a just balance between extremes.
These are the ones who do not take life, which has been declared sacred, except for a just cause.
These are the ones who do not engage in fornication—knowing that such acts lead to dishonor and punishment. However, if one repents, believes, and acts righteously, their past wrongs may be transformed into goodness.
These are the ones who do not bear false witness and pass by futility with honorable avoidance.
These are the ones who, when presented with the truth, do not turn away as if they were deaf or blind. ¹²
These are the people who, “upon hearing the truth, are overwhelmed with emotion, their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth and pray: ‘Our Lord! We believe—write us down among the witnesses. ¹³
These are the ones “who desire to be granted righteous offspring to be the comfort of their eyes and who strive to lead in righteousness.
These are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest ranks for their patience and unwavering commitment; they will be welcomed with salutations and peace. ¹⁴
Salutations and peace from the One unlike any other—the One who knows all things, both secret and open, who is most gracious and most merciful. He is the sovereign, the holy one, the source of peace and perfection, the guardian, the preserver of safety, the exalted in might, the irresistible, the supreme. Glory belongs to Him—He is high above all!
He is the creator, the evolver, the bestower of forms and colors. To Him belong the most beautiful names; whatever exists in the heavens and the earth declares His praise and glory. He alone is exalted in might and wisdom. ¹⁵
Seeking Light in the Darkness
We may rediscover our lost direction if we cultivate a sincere connection with God and approach Him with heartfelt yearning. Let all humanity raise a supplication:
Praise be to the One who is the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds—the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and the Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we adore, and You alone we seek for aid. Guide us to the straight path—the path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your grace, those who have not incurred Your wrath and have not gone astray. ¹⁶
Blessed are You, who created constellations in the sky and placed therein a radiant light and a moon that bestows illumination. You ordained the cycle of night and day so that those with wisdom may celebrate Your praises and express their gratitude. ¹⁷
You are the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of Your light is as if there were a niche containing a lamp—the lamp enclosed in glass, and the glass shining like a brilliant star. It is kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is nearly luminous even without being touched by fire—light upon light! You guide whom You will to Your divine light. ¹⁸
O Lord of power and sovereignty! You grant power to whom You will, and You strip power from whom You will. You bestow honor upon whom You will, and You bring low whom You will. In Your hand is all goodness—verily, You hold power over all things. You cause the night to merge into the day and the day to merge into the night. You bring forth the living from the dead and the dead from the living, and You provide sustenance to whom You will without limit. ¹⁹
You place no burden upon a soul greater than it can bear. It is rewarded for the good it earns and suffers for the wrong it commits. Our Lord! Do not condemn us if we forget or fall into error. Our Lord! Do not burden us as You did those before us. Our Lord! Do not impose upon us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Erase our sins and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy upon us. You are our Protector—help us against those who oppose faith. ²⁰
Reclaiming Women’s Rightful Status in the Social Order
The treatment of women in the past has been nothing short of absurdity. Whenever news of the birth of a female child was brought to one of the fathers, his face would darken, and he would be overcome with grief. In shame, he would hide himself from the people, distressed by what he perceived as bad news. Should he bear it in sufferance and contempt, or bury her in the dust? Ah! What a wicked choice they made. ²¹
Surely, a woman’s place is not dictated by the decisions of men today, nor should it be defined by the ignorance of fathers in the dark ages. O woman, reclaim your rightful position in society—one of respect, dignity, and security. You must be honored for your intellect, heart, soul, and virtue.
You are the nucleus around which society revolves, the scarlet thread that holds the fabric of civilization together. You are not meant to merely be admired for your appearance, nor should you allow yourself to be enslaved by a man’s desires. Reflect deeply, reconsider what truly matters, and you will find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Have Faith and make the Right Decision
You can always return, for there is an assurance: “When people ask about Me, know that I am indeed close to them. I listen to the yearning of every supplicant who calls upon Me. ²²
O human being! What has led you astray from your Lord—the Most Beneficent? He who created you, shaped you in perfect proportion, and endowed you with a just balance. In whatever form He wills, He brings you into existence. ²³
Remember, a day has been decreed when the wrongdoer will lament: “It was God who made you a promise of truth, and I too made a promise—but I failed to fulfill it. I had no authority over you except to call you, and yet you listened to me. So do not reproach me—reproach only your own souls. I cannot respond to your cries, nor can you respond to mine.” ²⁴
Notes
- Quran 2:170
- Quran 24:31
- Quran 24:60
- Quran 24:26
- Quran 33:35
- Quran 24:4
- Quran 31:16 – 20
- Quran 22:62
- Quran 31:27
- Quran 5:110
- Quran 23:2 – 8
- Quran 25:63 – 73
- Quran 5:83
- Quran 25:74 – 75
- Quran 59:22 – 23
- Quran 1:1 – 7
- Quran 25:61 – 62
- Quran 24:35
- Quran 3:26 – 27
- Quran 2:286
- Quran 16:58 – 59
- Quran 2:186
- Quran 82:6 – 8
- Quran 14:22
