INTRODUCTION
The modern world has gradually deviated from the way of nature and adopted unnatural paths that are inevitably leading toward the annihilation of the human race. The moral concepts embraced by the Western world a century and a half ago have already disrupted family life and led to licentiousness and sexual anarchy on a scale unprecedented in history. The nudist trends in the West—manifested in the “bikini” and the “birthday suit”—should surprise no one, as they are the logical outcome of so-called movements launched for the rights and emancipation of women. The following reports are revealing:
(Delray Beach, Florida, May 10, 1964):
“The shapely brunette wore a veil and high-heeled shoes, but nothing else, and her 23-year-old groom wore only a Florida suntan when they were married today in what was described as the largest nudist wedding ever held. Nude reporters watched the ceremony. The best man, an octogenarian, carried the ring in his hand since he had no pockets. The only person wearing clothes was a local lawyer who performed the ceremony in the sunshine, watched by some 200 nude guests.” (Reuter)
(Hamburg, May 25, 1964):
“At last count, there were at least 84 public paths, parks, and private areas throughout West Germany reserved for nudist use. The practice is by no means limited to Germany but is widespread throughout all of northern Europe.” (DPA)
This, then, is the culmination of a movement initiated with the aim of emancipating women and liberating men. In a world where human beings have clothed themselves since the dawn of time, the practice of nudism often takes on a humorous aspect. More significantly, it signals a virtual return to animality—to a wild life devoid of shame and decency.
The Qur’an, which contains the remedy for every moral disease, offers the antidote to this moral epidemic. It asserts that the urge to clothe oneself and to conceal one’s private parts is innate within man. It is with the aim of elaborating the Qur’an’s viewpoint on modern nudism, licentiousness, and the free intermingling of the sexes that this book is presented to the reading public.
This is the English rendering of Maulana Abul A‘la Maududi’s famous work Purdah, originally published in book form in 1939. Since then, it has undergone thirteen reprints and has deeply influenced vast sections of the reading public in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. More than any other book in recent years, it has helped people understand the true nature of the relationship between man and woman in social life, and appreciate the grand design that Nature seeks to fulfill through them on earth.
The Arabic version of this book, entitled Al-Hijab, was published from Damascus about a decade ago and has served as an eye-opener throughout the Middle Eastern countries.
First, the book proves—through reason and argument—that the moral concepts underlying the social system prevalent in the West are not only unnatural and irrational but also fraught with fatal consequences for man and his civilization.
Second, it highlights the laws of nature and affirms that family life and legitimate procreation alone can serve the will of Nature.
Third, it demonstrates—based on scientific observation—that man is inherently incapable of devising a perfect social system for himself due to his shortsightedness and limited faculties. He has always required Divine Guidance, which alone can provide rational and lasting solutions to life’s problems.
Lastly, it presents the Social System of Islam, which is in fact the way of Nature herself, as it is founded on Divine Guidance. It offers a note of warning: mankind cannot prosper on earth by fighting against Nature, but only by living in complete harmony with her.
As for the Maulana’s masterful style, I sincerely feel that no translation can fully capture the effect of the original Urdu. That is why I have repeatedly wished that a more capable hand had undertaken the English translation of Purdah. This present attempt, however humble, has been made with utmost sincerity and faithfulness to the original.
In conclusion, I must express my heartfelt gratitude to the late Ch. Muhammad Akbar Sahib for his valuable suggestions, especially regarding the English translation of Qur’anic verses and traditions of the Holy Prophet.
AL-ASH‘ARI
