THE HOWDAH

It was a general practice among the Sahaaba when going out

on journey to use the Howdah. This is the English equivalant for the

Arabic term Howdaj, which means an enclosed box or pavilion that is

placed on the camel's back. Ladies would travel in the privacy of this

box, thus screening themselves off from the gaze of menfolk. The use

of this is mentioned in several Ahadeeth, involving the noble wives of

the Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in particular. While

seated in the howdah there is no need for the niqaab since the woman

is completely concealed. This indicates to us how strict were the

Sahaaba in purdah matters. Now if this was the standard of purdah

then, during the best of eras, how much more important will this

purdah be in today’s times of sin and corruption?

Reference : A study in Islamic Culture for women ~ Prepared and researched by Madresa MASEEHUL-ULOOM