GUIDING LIGHTS: Spiritual Role of Women in Islam

Islam allows women to work outside the home. However, maintaining modesty in dress and demeanour is essential. HERE’S THE TRUTH BEHIND THE VEIL The ‘Burqa’ or Purdah is generally considered an integral part of Islam, but this is not so. In reality, the ‘Burqa’ is a part of Muslim culture and not a part of Islamic teaching. There is a significant difference between the actions of Muslims and the teachings of Islam. Wearing a ‘Burqa’ or veil is not part of Quranic teaching. The source of Islam is the Quran and not the Muslim culture. Muslim culture is a social phenomenon, while the Quran is the Book of God as revealed to the Prophet of Islam. According to linguistic history, the word ‘Burqa’ was in use in Arabia before the advent of Islam in the first quarter of the seventh century. At that time, the word ‘Burqa’ meant a piece of clothing used as protection, especially in winter. The well-known Arabic dictionary Lisan al-Arab gives us two examples of its use during