| Answer:
The objective of all the directives of Islam is to purify the
individual and collective lives of people both in their beliefs and in their
deeds. It is the verdict of the Qur’ān (91:9) that only people who have
purified their souls will enter Paradise in the Hereafter. Following the
directives of Islam makes us purify our souls and makes us eligible for
paradise. It is therefore mentioned in the Qur’ān that the directives of the
Hijāb (24:30) have been given to purify the society and to purify the hearts
of people from evil. This is the reason why Muslim women must wear the Hijāb.
Another thing that I would like to mention here is that one must be very
careful in discussing the Hijāb with Muslim women. Let a Muslim lady first
illuminate her mind with the radiance of the Qur’ān and invigorate her heart
with the fragrance of the Almighty’s love. Hijāb is not the starting point
of Islam. In fact, it comes quite later. Once Muslim women are urged to pray
regularly and to read the Qur’ān with meanings and to sit in the company of
the pious, the change will come automatically. And if this cannot convince
her how can you? The force in the divine message is such that it can conquer
hearts and subdue souls. Let it do the work. Your job should be to direct a
lady’s attention to the Qur’ān. Of course, you should also be on the look
out to present with wisdom and sagacity and with compassion and concern the
viewpoint of Islam on such issues. Your job ends here. The rest is up to the
Almighty.
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