MYTHS SURROUNDING ISLAMIC PURDAH
Purdah literally means veil, a long clothing worn by women in Muslim societies.
It's a modest cloth worn by women to conceal them from men. Muslim Women wear these clothes in Islam to protect their chastity as it is an order from Almighty Allah in the glorious Quran that Muslim women should cover their body with long garments to protect them and keep their modesty.
There are however some myths surrounding Purdah in Islam. These myths are false claims, it is so disheartening that these myths are carried with so much hatred and despise that people look at women in purdah and wish they are never in their shoes.
A common perception is that islam oppresses women and forces them into submission, this is however false. In Islam, men and women are equal in the sight of Allah, and there’s no one being forced into submission, any one who forces others into submission is out of boundaries in Islam.
There's a popular belief that western women are superior compared to Muslim women in purdah and as such, Muslims women in western states are been humiliated and mocked.
This is certainly erroneous, women in purdah do everything that western women do. They're Educated, they work, own successful business, and do numerous great things in life.
A false notion when people see women with veils is that they are being compelled into doing it. Veiling is intention, no one should be forced into it. They believe they've been caged and can't be free which is absolutely untrue.
Someone told me that I should never use purdah and I asked why? Why should I expose myself to wandering eyes of lustful men when I can conceal myself and earn rewards as well. The freedom that comes with knowing you've done your part in curbing immortality in the society is ultimate.
Another ridiculous notion is the association of purdah with poverty. There’s really a need to stop this myth!!. Purdah is not related to poverty. Nobody is poor because he wants to remain poor. The belief that Women in purdah aren’t Educated is now irrelevant.
Women in Niqob(Purdah) are doing well in academic fields, Aisha Abiola graduated with First Class Honours, University of Lagos, another Muslim lady Misturah Olaleye graduated from the University of Lagos with a first class degree in Chemistry. Mehn! There’s no place for poverty in purdah with Education because you’ll be open to opportunities with the skill you’ve acquired.
I write this piece not in aggression but for a better understanding of women in purdah, women who observe purdah with righteousness and strong faith are beautiful and virtuous women. They are women of Values.
Enough of these myths!
Stop the false assumption!
Stop the discrimination!
✍️ Rodiyah's pen
