of Nekounam, may his sanctity be preserved, Session (1923)
The Holy Quran, as the divine book of guidance, not only directs acts of worship and spirituality but also provides a comprehensive roadmap for organising human and familial relationships. The verses of this celestial scripture elucidate, with lucid and sagacious discourse, the principles and rulings related to dress code, gaze, marriage, and the management of familial relations. These principles, rooted in divine wisdom and mercy, guide humanity towards a balanced, dignified, and pious life. In this treatise, through reflection upon the radiant verses and elucidation of their profound meanings, an endeavour is made to present the Quranic culture concerning social and familial relations in a refined and scholarly language. Each section of this collection focuses on a pivotal theme, conducting meticulous examination of the verses and offering profound and practical analyses.
This section, linked to the general principles of Quranic guidance, elucidates the culture of dress and its limits in social relations. The Holy Quran, by stipulating dress rulings, not only pays attention to preserving human dignity and honour but also endeavours to establish a safe and balanced atmosphere within the Islamic society.
O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they should draw their cloaks (jilbb) over themselves. That is more suitable that they will be recognised and not harmed. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
(Quran, Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:59)
This noble verse, with sagacious wording, advises believing women to arrange their dress so that it manifests their chastity and dignity. The term jilbb refers to a covering that conceals the body in a balanced manner, not excessively. Contrary to some misconceptions that perceive dress as erasing identity or complete concealment, the Holy Quran emphasises the preservation of womens identity and honour. This covering must be such that women are recognised as respectable individuals committed to religious values, not that their identity be obliterated through extremity in attire. This Quranic approach, rejecting any ostentation and affectation, calls for a balance between outer appearance and inner virtue.
The conclusion of this verse, mentioning the attributes Forgiving and Merciful of Allah, signifies divine mercy that accepts possible errors and lapses in the observance of this ruling with pardon and kindness. This emphasis reflects the spirit of leniency and tolerance inherent in the religion when dealing with human beings.
If the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease and those who spread rumours in the city do not desist, We will surely incite you against them; then they will not remain your neighbours therein except for a little.
(Quran, Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:60)
This verse, following the previous one, stresses confronting the hypocrites and those who threaten social security rather than restricting women or advising their isolation. This approach demonstrates the Holy Qurans concern for preserving womens dignity and creating a secure space for their social presence, without imposing unnecessary constraints upon them.
The culture of dress in the Holy Quran not only aids in preserving womens privacy and chastity but, by emphasising recognition and respect for their identity, avoids excess and deficiency in this domain. These verses, in sagacious discourse, delineate a balance between social presence and upholding religious values.
Continuing the discussion on dress, this section examines a specific ruling for elderly women, reflecting the flexibility and mercy of the religion in its jurisprudence.
And the elderly women who have no hope of marriagethere is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments, but not displaying adornment. And to modesty is better for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
(Quran, Surah An-Nur, 24:60)
This verse, with a sagacious concession, permits elderly women to reduce the intensity of their covering, provided they do not reveal adornments or makeup that attract attention. This ruling not only manifests the religions flexibility towards the needs of various groups but also indirectly invites reflection upon the transience of outward beauty. This Quranic perspective delicately cautions humanity against being deceived by the allure and glitter of the world, guiding towards chastity and modesty.
The verse concerning the dress of elderly women, by presenting a ruling suitable to their age and social conditions, underscores divine mercy and wisdom. This flexibility not only facilitates the comfort of elderly women but also serves as a lesson in avoiding attachment to ephemeral worldly beauties.
This section, linked to previous discussions, regulates the gaze and social relations between men and women within the Quranic culture.
Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
(Quran, Surah An-Nur, 24:30)
This verse, in clear expression, advises believing men to control their gaze and avoid staring at non-mahram women. Contrary to some erroneous interpretations that completely forbid looking at non-mahram, the Holy Quran emphasises moderation in gaze. The phrase lower their gaze means to reduce sharpness and staring, not total avoidance of looking. This balanced gaze, accompanied by chastity and modesty, helps maintain the psychological and social health of individuals.
In the traditions, it is noted that the initial glance at a non-mahram for believers is not objectionable, provided it is accompanied by chastity and not impure intent. This ruling reflects the Qurans attention to human nature and the test of faith in daily encounters.
The verses pertaining to the gaze, by emphasising moderation and chastity, assist in regulating social relations between men and women. These rulings, by negating extremism and negligence, contribute to preserving individuals psychological and spiritual well-being in the Islamic society.
Continuing previous discussions, this section addresses the importance of marriage and societys role in facilitating it.
And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
(Quran, Surah An-Nur, 24:32)
This verse explicitly invites the Islamic community to facilitate the marriage of unmarried individuals. The Holy Quran, by emphasising divine provision, indicates that material difficulties should not hinder marriage. This ruling places social responsibility upon all to contribute towards strengthening the family foundation.
The Holy Quran, by stressing the importance of marriage and social responsibility in this regard, calls for the establishment of a balanced and pious society. These verses, by negating isolationism, emphasise the collective role in reinforcing the family foundation.
