Learning behind a veil

Learning behind a veil

Nowadays, we hear of many cases where illicit relationships develop in the classroom due to the sexual advances of a teacher, learner or both. The ramifications are often severe. At times, lives of individuals are shattered. Sometimes even strong marriages break up because of such interactions.

The Islamic system for females learning even the essentials of Islam preserves the modesty of society.

Ideally, females should teach other females, fathers should teach their daughters, brothers should teach their sisters and husbands should teach their wives.

If the teachers in the above scenarios are not academically equipped to teach, then a woman may attend the lessons of a male teacher who is not her mahram.
However, in this case, one important condition is that a screen should separate the teacher and female students.

This is based of the Qur’aanic verse, “And when you ask them for anything ask them from before a screen. That is greater in purity for your hearts and for theirs.” – Surah Ahzaab, verse 53

When this was the instruction in the golden age of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and Sahabah when hearts were pure, it should be applicable today more so when hearts are diseased. It is relevant to every educational setup in every age.

This is the beauty of Islam. Its teachings are timeless.

Make no mistake. Even if the teacher is the likes of Hasan Basri Rahimahullah and the student is Rabia Basriyyah Rahimahallah, the accursed Shaitaan would still attempt to weave his ploy.

The Islamic system is in place to protect the modesty of both teacher and student.

It is a system which Muslims need to be proud of, not apologetic about.

It is especially essential in this day and age, when media, movies, magazines, newspapers, novels, advertisements, dressing, television, malls, even billboards encourage towards immoral sexual activity.

Allah, in His infinite knowledge and wisdom, knows the weaknesses of men and women, hence He has prescribed certain red lines which should not be crossed.

However, when Muslims show laxity in the injunctions meant for their protection, the repercussions are severe.