Parsi Women: Islam's Perspective on True Beauty

The Identity of
Parsi Women

An Islamic Perspective on Modesty, Honor, and Divine Guidance

﷽

Introduction

The beauty of a virtuous and pious woman lies in her fear of God, her richness in contentment, her adornment in modesty and chastity, and her honor in avoiding places of suspicion and slander. There is a saying: when a dove's wings grow strong, it flies away.

Similarly, if a man provides his wife with inappropriate and vulgar ornaments and finery, she will no longer remain confined to the home. It is inherent in human nature that when one adorns oneself, one desires to be seen. In times when people of pure character and chaste gaze were abundant, and indulgence in vice was rare, the commandment for strict veiling was given.

The essence of modesty in Islam reflects inner purity and dignity

Today, in the era we are living through, those of pure character and chaste gaze are scarcely to be found. How much stricter, then, must observance be today? Once, I saw a woman in a dream and immediately knew she was not permissible for me, so I instantly averted my gaze. This was in an era when people even considered looking at a woman in a dream a sin.

There is a hadith which states: Whoever engages in unlawful conversation with a strange woman without necessity will be confined to Hell for a thousand years for every word spoken, on the Day of Judgment. And if anyone embraces a strange woman, he will be thrown into Hell alongside Satan—God forbid.

Quranic Guidance

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:33)

وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ

"And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as was the display of the former times of ignorance."

The "former times of ignorance" referred to in this noble verse is the era before Islam. In that era, women used to go out uncovered, flaunting their adornment and beauty, walking with a sway and a strut so that men would be attracted to them and engage in flirtation.

Sacred Quranic verses guiding believers toward righteousness

They wore clothing that did not cover their body parts, or garments so tight and form-fitting that their limbs were visible, so that men could gaze upon their physical form, inflame their lusts, and ruin their lives. The "former ignorance" refers to the pre-Islamic era, and the "later ignorance" refers to the end times, when the deeds of later people will resemble those of earlier people—as is happening today.

Modern Reflection

In this era, women are engaging in the same behaviors that characterized the ignorant women before Islam. The use of shirts and jeans, high-heeled sandals, and fine, tight clothing that makes one appear naked even when dressed.

Consider carefully those who say that Islam is outdated. Islam has especially honored human beings, particularly women, with the injunction of veiling, which did not exist before Islam. Those who bring women out uncovered and immodestly into offices, workplaces, television, and cinema screens are leading society back toward the pre-Islamic culture.

Now consider: who is truly outdated—they or Islam? From these two verses, it is clearly evident that it is not permissible for a believing woman to uncover her face before a non-mahram (strange) man.

Islamic principles provide timeless guidance for contemporary challenges

It is astonishing to see the inverted logic of today: those who should be outside the veil are within it, and those who should be within the veil are outside it. Look at offices and workplaces, cabins, and inquiry desks—everywhere, women are present in front, while men are behind curtains. Is this not a gathering of foolishness and ignorance?

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