A Father’s Guidance for His Muslim Daughter
I write this letter in September 2016, from Lahore—the same city that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan once called “the city of the lively-hearted.”
Though this letter is addressed especially to you, I hope these words also reach the hearts of other Muslim daughters.
You may wonder, why a letter instead of a conversation?
The reason is that some words carry deeper meaning when written.
One significant reason is that last night I read a letter by Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan, addressed to his granddaughter and niece, in which he said:
"People will try to impose their limits on you, but make your own decisions with your mind, and do not listen to anyone."
My dear daughter, you may feel that Amitabh Bachchan said nothing wrong, but the reality is that our worldview is different.
We are Muslims, and our guide is the Qur’an and the teachings of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
A Muslim girl makes her life decisions within the principles laid out by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
Allah has forbidden us from certain actions and permitted others.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"الحياء شعبة من الإيمان"
"Modesty is a branch of faith."
❀ Always uphold modesty, for it is the hallmark of an Islamic society.
My daughter, I do not want you to follow others blindly.
Be independent, but always remember:
Make decisions using your intellect, within the boundaries set by Allah.
Your status is in no way inferior to anyone—
But it is equally important not to strive to become a man.
A woman is the most beautiful creation in the universe.
✔ If needed, work outside the home,
✔ But do not neglect your home or the upbringing of your children.
The Prophet ﷺ gave glad tidings of Paradise to the woman who manages her home and fulfills her responsibilities sincerely.
Dear daughter, make your own decisions,
But never hesitate to bow to the truth.
Never ignore sound advice,
And take Sayyidah Fatimah (RA) and Sayyidah Aisha (RA) as your role models—
Women who left lasting examples through their intellect, wisdom, and knowledge.
May every step you take be on the straight path,
And may Allah be your Helper in every difficulty.
❖ My Dear Daughter, Laiba Khan!
I write this letter in September 2016, from Lahore—the same city that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan once called “the city of the lively-hearted.”
Though this letter is addressed especially to you, I hope these words also reach the hearts of other Muslim daughters.
❖ Purpose of Writing This Letter
You may wonder, why a letter instead of a conversation?
The reason is that some words carry deeper meaning when written.
One significant reason is that last night I read a letter by Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan, addressed to his granddaughter and niece, in which he said:
"People will try to impose their limits on you, but make your own decisions with your mind, and do not listen to anyone."
❖ Advice or Misguidance?
My dear daughter, you may feel that Amitabh Bachchan said nothing wrong, but the reality is that our worldview is different.
We are Muslims, and our guide is the Qur’an and the teachings of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
A Muslim girl makes her life decisions within the principles laid out by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
❖ Respect for Islamic Principles
Allah has forbidden us from certain actions and permitted others.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"الحياء شعبة من الإيمان"
"Modesty is a branch of faith."
❀ Always uphold modesty, for it is the hallmark of an Islamic society.
❖ Major Life Decisions and Freedom
My daughter, I do not want you to follow others blindly.
Be independent, but always remember:
Make decisions using your intellect, within the boundaries set by Allah.
❖ A Woman’s Role and Status
Your status is in no way inferior to anyone—
But it is equally important not to strive to become a man.
A woman is the most beautiful creation in the universe.
✔ If needed, work outside the home,
✔ But do not neglect your home or the upbringing of your children.
The Prophet ﷺ gave glad tidings of Paradise to the woman who manages her home and fulfills her responsibilities sincerely.
❖ Caution in Decision-Making
Dear daughter, make your own decisions,
But never hesitate to bow to the truth.
Never ignore sound advice,
And take Sayyidah Fatimah (RA) and Sayyidah Aisha (RA) as your role models—
Women who left lasting examples through their intellect, wisdom, and knowledge.
❖ My Prayer
May every step you take be on the straight path,
And may Allah be your Helper in every difficulty.
