The commands given by Allah regarding men and women in Chapter Noor of the Holy Quran are undoubtedly a masterpiece of wisdom and insight. Undoubtedly, only The All-Knowing and The Wise One can give these orders. The first great aspect of these commandments is that for the first time in religious history, men have been given commandments, in order to prevent adultery. Before and even after the Qur’an, when preaching religion, people hold women as the main source of immorality and place restrictions only on them. But the Holy Qur’an addresses both men and women separately and gives the same order, but it starts with men, to protect their gaze and observe moral boundaries. Then it says one thing specifically to the men and not to women, that this way is purest for them and Allah is aware of everything they do. This is a clear message to men from Allah Almighty that He knows that they are the ones who break boundaries and they are the ones who spread the impurity of adultery.
Then it is Allah Almighty only who knows from what aspect women help in spreading adultery. Hence, after that, an additional command was given to women. But the real beauty of this order is that though it apparently places some restrictions on women and limits their desire to be noticed, at the same time it addresses the psychology of men in such a way that unless he is satan himself, the devil of his mind will stay in control.
Men have this mentality that they have pure intentions towards women in the roles of mother, sister, daughter and other similar relationships, but beyond this circle, women are perceived less as a fellow human and more as the opposite gender. If this opposite gender emphasizes its feminine appeal, it becomes very difficult to protect society from the contamination of adultery.
God uprooted this problem. God particularly chose the things which are not only characteristic of women but also make them attractive to men. He commands that the chest and any adornment and makeup should be kept covered. Even if your anklet might announce your womanhood, suppress it so that the mind of a man does not turn away from humanity and towards your femininity.
After adhering to these commandments, society will evolve into one where both men and women guard their gaze, choosing modesty over wanderlust. Respectful and modest attire will become the norm. Men will approach women with a consciousness of their own purity and under the watchful eye of their Lord. Women, in turn, will prefer to introduce themselves based on their humanity, rather than emphasizing their feminine allure through displays of femininity and adornment.
Undoubtedly, these rules are a masterpiece of moderation and balance. These commandments are practicable for any situation, any nation, any environment, any climate and any geography. They solve this eternal human problem with ease. They do not need any adjustment. They do not affect normal life, nor do they end family relations, or build societal walls, but they do root out immorality from the society. After these rulings, no man or woman can claim before Allah on the Day of Judgment that the environment in which I lived, the society in which I lived, the climate I endured, the era in which I stood, your commands were impractical in them. From this point of view, this command is the completion of proof (itmam-e-hujjat) to the men and women of any age and any era that Allah’s command is easy and practicable. If people still do not follow them, they have no excuse.
Anyone familiar with the psychology of men and women, and who comprehends the challenges of human society, will find themselves compelled to prostrate to Allah, upon grasping the wisdom of these commands. Every fair-minded person will agree that these rules are free from any need for modifications. Neither before the Qur’an did anyone understand the root of this problem nor after. Neither before, nor after, did anyone give a perfect solution that is also practical in all situations. These blessed verses provide irrefutable evidence, for every person, especially women, that the religious commands are applicable in all situations, enduring until the Day of Judgment
“Tell believing men to lower their gaze and remain chaste. That is purer for them. God is aware of what they do. Say to believing women that they should lower their gaze and remain chaste and not to reveal their adornments — save what is normally apparent thereof, and they should fold their shawls over their bosoms. They can only reveal their adornments to their husbands or their fathers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or maidservants or those whom their right hands possess or their male attendants who have no sexual desire or children who still have no carnal knowledge of women. Nor should they swing their legs to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. Believers, turn to God, every one of you, so that you may prosper.” (An-Nur 24:30-31)
Translated by Ali Zafar