Day 21 - Young Pashtun Women

“I can feel your eye!”  The love note came as a text message.  Jamil was elated.  Razia was interested in him.  He fired a message back.

 A momentary extended eye contact with the opposite sex indicates attraction and sometimes leads to an exchange of phone numbers followed by a secret relationship, despite the risk of discovery and severe consequences. Growing urban affluence and education have provided young people with new avenues to develop relationships.

 A strict code of separation of the sexes, called purdah, heightens the mystery and attraction of the opposite sex.  The practice of purdah is reinforced by the belief that a woman can not to be trusted, and if given any opportunity she will be unfaithful.  This leads men to watch over their wives and daughters with unreasonable suspicion.  Most young wives have to endure harsh treatment by controlling husbands.  

 As a child a Pashtun girl enjoys freedom but only for a short span.  She soon learns the requirements of modesty, submission and endurance.  In Afghanistan and the “tribal” and rural areas 13-15 year old girls are frequently given in marriage and required to handle family responsibilities while yet still children themselves.  Urban men increasingly want to marry girls who have at least completed high school.

 

Pray that: 

• Young women will know their value and trust in the Good Shepherd to lead, provide for, and honor them (Psalm 23).
• Pashtun girls from believing families will be matched with gentle, believing husbands, and for wisdom as they develop a new Pashtun redeemed culture.
• Pray against wrong ideas which put both sexes under burdens which are too hard to bear.

 

Matthew 11:28-29 NLT  Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.