A praiseworthy Quality in women

Hazrat Thaanwi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) once mentioned:

“Women who are pure-minded and simple in their ways (on account of them not being exposed to sin and observing strict purdah from strange men) are generally extremely chaste. Such women resemble the hoors (damsels) of Jannah in their purity and chastity. They do not come into contact with strange men and nor do they even cast glances at them. Hence they could be resembled to the hoors of Jannah, regarding whom Allah Ta’ala described in the Qur’an:

فِيهِنَّ قَـٰصِرتُ ٱلطَّرْفِ

In the palaces of Jannah reside such hoors (damsels) who lower their gazes from all strange men besides their husbands.

Further, Allah Ta’ala expresses the excellence of those women who are unaware of the world and focus on the Hereafter by describing them as ٱلْمُحْصَنَـٰتِ ٱلْغَـٰفِلَـٰتِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ (Chaste, believing women who remain unaware of the attractions of the world). From this verse of the Qur’an we understand that it is a praiseworthy quality in women, and part of their nature, that they remain aloof from the attractions of the world. Though this verse primarily refers to women remaining aloof from the attractions of sin, and this is also desired from men, however the fact that Allah Ta’ala expresses this quality as a praiseworthy quality of women, one understands that to a greater extent it should be found in women.

Unfortunately those who are totally ignorant of Deen feel that the success and progress of women lies in abolishing the concept of purdah and exposing the women to the world. However this notion is totally incorrect. I sincerely feel within my heart that Allah Ta’ala will assist Deen and never cause such people to become successful in their effort. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 1/151)