THIS refers to Rafia Zakaria’s article ‘A return to purdah’ (March 21) which provided a strikingly identifiable articulation of the often parasitical behaviour women seem to exhibit towards men in order to outdo each other.

I do not, however, agree with her labelling this behaviour as a byproduct of purdah.

True purdah, from an Islamic perspective, is not meant to degrade women. Instead, it is meant to empower them. The concept of purdah, its physical and spiritual teachings alike, gives women the ability to be seen for more than their physical aspects.

It gives them the ability to pursue a career outside of their homes if they so wish, all the while protecting their sanctity as women. If purdah in its true religious sense was practised, it would not invite backbiting, pestering, and bickering as outlined by the writer.

Rather, it would involve women and men who had the power to treat people and be treated in a just manner.

Najia Humayun

Tunnel Hill, USA