Some Guidelines on Shame and Purdah Especially for Young Girls

• Observe purdah for your male cousins.
• Never address them by looking at them in the eyes.
• If you have made something, don’t show it to others.
• Don’t joke or laugh [habitually].
• If you are teased, do not respond. Merely show displeasure.
• Behave in a way that shows that you are aloof. [In other words, you are not inquisitive about what’s going on.]
• Also, be careful that no one calls out your name loudly, so that outsiders do not become familiar with your name without you knowing.
• Don’t call anyone into the house and converse with them.
• Don’t listen to their tales.
• Be cautious in everything.
• Dress and present yourself in a way that is appropriate for you.
• Do not try to look older than you are.
• Don’t meddle in other people’s affairs.
• Don’t put up serious expressions and make up stories.
• Don’t chew paan or tobacco [smoke and vape], reddening your mouth – it is revolting for girls.
• Rise and sit with modesty.
• Keep your head covered.
• Don’t look around as you walk.
• Don’t sit in an exposed area.
• Stay away from peeping and prying.
• Keep yourself protected from scandal.
• Don’t become bad or infamous – bad news spreads quickly.
• Do not sit with any boy.

(Husn-e-Mu’aasharat)