Baji I wish she could take off the burqa.
This is attributed to the Prophet’s wives in Surah Al Ahzab when the hypocrites
and their allies initiated a malicious and slanderous campaign against the
house of the Prophet (his wives basically). Qur’an (33:60): “If the hypocrites,
and those with sickness in their hearts, and rumour-mongers in Medina do not
desist, We will certainly incite you ˹O Prophet˺ against them, and then they
will not be your neighbours there any longer.”
God specifically addressed the wives and
informed them of certain restrictions to be imposed on them by Him (given the
malicious campaign; to save the house of prophet). God gave the option to his
wives to leave the Prophet if they didn't feel comfortable with the imposed
restrictions. The wives of the Prophet chose to stay with their husband.
(Please note the wives 'chose' to stay with the Prophet. God didn't impose
restrictions on them without their choice). There was an outstanding situation that
warranted absolute care.
God asked the wives of the Prophet to remain on their guard henceforth. Qur’an
(33:32): “O wives of the prophet, you are not like any other women, if you
observe taqwā (righteousness). So, do not be too soft in your speech, lest
someone having a disease in his heart should develop fancies (about you); and
do speak with appropriate words.” Keeping this context, the wives and
the believing women were asked to stay put in their homes. Qur’an (33:59: ‘O
Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks
over their bodies. In this way, it is more likely that they will be recognized as
virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
The code of ethics and etiquettes of gender
interaction is mentioned in Surah Nur of the Qur’an. This is very different
from the one in Surah Ahzab. Surah Ahzab's purdah is specific to the Prophets'
wives.
Akin to this example is the start of Surah Tauba where God gives four months to
the disbelievers before asking the Muslims to slay them wherever they are
found. This situation too is Prophet era specific and not applicable
anymore.
Aamir Yazdani
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