Nida ila al-Afifat (wa an yastafifna khayr lahunna)
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Nida ila al-Afifat (wa an yastafifna khayr lahunna) (An Appeal to Chaste Women: "And to Be Modest Is Better for Them") is an Islamic advisory treatise prepared by the Academic Department of Dar al-Watan (al-Qism al-Ilmi bi-Dar al-Watan), focusing on female modesty, chastity, and moral conduct in Islam.
Publication and Overview
The work was issued by Dar al-Watan for Publishing in Riyadh in its first edition in 1422 AH (2002 CE) as a single-volume booklet. The text opens by presenting Islam as a faith emphasizing purity, decency, and uprightness, describing the woman as a safeguarded jewel whose adherence to modesty enriches both her father's home and her marital household while instilling virtue in her children.
Content and Themes
The booklet is organized around two primary themes: the religious virtues and merits of chastity (ifaf), and the contemporary temptations and obstacles hindering women from maintaining it.
Merits of Chastity
The work enumerates several aspects defining the value of chastity in the Islamic tradition:
- A mark of righteousness: Grounded in the Quranic verse فَالصَّالِحَاتُ قَانِتَاتٌ حَافِظَاتٌ لِلْغَيْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللَّهُ ("So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard" [al-Nisa: 34]), with commentary from Ibn Kathir.
- A means to divine forgiveness: Derived from Surah al-Ahzab ( إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ... [al-Ahzab: 35]), highlighting the preservation of one's private parts as an avenue to divine reward.
- Compliance with divine command: Drawing upon Surah al-Nur ( وَقُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ... [al-Nur: 31]) and the narrations of Aisha regarding the prompt obedience of the early Emigrant (Muhajirat) and Ansar women in adopting the veil (khimar and jilbab).
- A source of relief and moral perfection: Referencing Maryam (the Virgin Mary) as an exemplar of chastity ( وَمَرْيَمَ ابْنَتَ عِمْرَانَ الَّتِي أَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا... [al-Tahrim: 12]) and noting how modesty protects believers from following transgressive paths.
- A symbol of dignity: Quoting Ibn al-Qayyim on the enduring honor associated with chastity across generations.
Obstacles to Modesty
The second part outlines pitfalls and distractions that threaten moral integrity, including:
- Modern fashion and trends (al-azya): Western-influenced designs that promote revealing attire contrary to Islamic clothing guidelines.
- Mass media and technology: Satellite television channels broadcasting provocative content, unmonitored internet use leading to indecent material, and sensationalist magazines.
- Social interactions: Unlawful seclusion (khalwa), free mixing of unrelated men and women (ikhtilat), bad companionship, and laxity in speaking or behaving around unrelated men.
- Personal and spiritual lapses: Delaying marriage, failing to lower one's gaze, consuming profane poetry and music, heedlessness of spiritual traps, excessive indulgence in luxury, and negligence on the part of guardians.
The booklet concludes with an exhortation urging Muslim women to remain steadfast in modesty and to take pride in their religious identity.
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