Question
Is it true that there is purdah of the female name and her achievements from appearing in public, be it in the newspaper, social media, posters etc. and, if so, what’s the rationale behind having purdah of the identity/name of say a female scholar?
Answer
We haven’t found any textual references of the Fuqaha or any verse or Hadith that states that the name of a woman is Purdah. Notwithstanding that, this does not mean that the name of women should be openly advertised in the newspapers, or social media, or publicized.
In the Quraan Sharif, Allah Ta’aala does not make mention of females by taking their names with the exception of Hadrat Maryam Radiallahu Anha. Allah Ta’aala speaks of the wife of Firoun in the Quraan Sharif as well but she is referred to as the “wife of Firoun.” Similarly, with the exception of verses 30 to 34 of Surah Ahzaab and certain Ayaat wherein Allah Ta’aala refers to Hadhrat Maryam Radiallahu Anha, Allah Ta’aala addresses the men particularly (when commanding them or prohibiting them) but the women are not addressed directly. The women are included in the address directed to the men.
This is sufficient proof to indicate that the name of women should not be taken un-necessarily. Yes, if there is a necessity in taking the name of a female such as identification purposes then there is no harm in doing so. However, it is more suitable that a woman identifies herself as “daughter of so & so” or “mother of so & so” as commonly found in the Ahadith such as Umme Anas or in the Quraan Sharif such as Maryam binte Imraan, etc.
A woman is supposed to be concealed according to the Hadith; thus Hayaa/modesty demands that ideally, her name too should not be exposed to the public.
In short, in spite of its fundamental permissibility (when there is a need for identification), under normal circumstances, it would be best not to expose her name. We do hope that the above explanation suffices in answering your query.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.