The significance of modesty in Islam
IN Islam, men and women share responsibility in upholding modesty and controlling their desires in society. Whether someone dresses or behaves modestly or not, the obligation to guard one’s own chastity rests with each gender. While many people think that there is excessive emphasis on modesty for women, Allah’s command for men to maintain modesty precedes the one for women in Qur’an: Tell believing men to lower their glances and guard their private parts: that is purer for them. Allah is well aware of everything they do. (24:30)
While many people think that Muslim women are enjoined to wear hijab primarily to restrain men’s illicit desires, this is not true. Indeed, it is not women’s duty to regulate the behaviour of men. Men are accountable for their own conduct; they are equally required to be modest and to handle themselves responsibly in every sphere of their life. Further, Islam’s code of modesty extends to all aspects of one’s life, including attire. Hijab, the head-covering worn by Muslim women, is an outer manifestation of an inner commitment to worship Allah.
Islam takes the concept of modesty even further, which describes both shyness and a deeper modesty that is based on faith. A sense of modesty should affect a Muslim’s conduct before Allah, before others and even when one is alone. In the Qur’an, Allah says: O children of Adam, We have provided you with garments to cover your bodies as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of God’s signs that they may take heed. (07:26)
A number of narrated prophetic traditions (Hadiths) illustrate the significance of modesty. The following hadith suggests that modesty is so important that the absence of it could lead a person to sinful behaviour and disbelief: The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: If you have no shame, do as you wish. Another Hadith links modesty to faith: The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: Faith consists of more than seventy branches. And modesty is a part of faith.
The attribute that protects from the act that is disliked in the sight of Allah Almighty and His creation is called modesty. Islam and modesty have a similar relation which the soul bears to the body. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: Undoubtedly, modesty and faith are connected together so when one gets away, the other one is also taken away. Therefore, the enemies of Islam are seen attacking the modesty of Muslims. It is not hidden from anyone that attacks are being made on modesty in the society in the name of dramas, films, advertisements, morning shows, etc.
As a matter of fact, if the manners and habits of men spoil, society starts spoiling, but when this disease spreads amongst women, generations are destroyed. Therefore, no matter whether it is man or woman, Islam urges both to become modest and modesty has been declared to be the basis of all ethics. Islam is the only religion that promotes modesty. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) has bestowed such teachings upon us by acting upon which the whole society can become modest. Islamic teachings develop the attribute of modesty existing in human nature and then adorn it with wisdom thus beautifying the human traits. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was more modest than an unmarried veil-observing woman.
It was the result of this modesty-protecting environment that when Hazrat Umm-e-Khallad (R.A), whose son was martyred in a battle, reached the blessed court of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) wearing Hijab in order to get information about her son, someone surprisingly said: You are observing purdah even at this time! She replied: I have definitely lost my son, but not modesty.
The more one has the light of faith, the more one will become modest. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: Modesty is from Faith. The people who promote mixed-gatherings, dresses not covering, so-called open-mindedness and complete freedom of doing whatever one wants by considering them to be the steps towards innovation and progress should think as to how much the Noor of faith they have lost. Modesty is such an attribute which the more you have the better it is for you. Therefore, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) has said: Modesty only brings goodness.
There is no doubt that we are losing our modesty due to non-Islamic culture. The effects of this culture have also started to spread in the Muslim society now. Alas! The modesty which Islam has declared to be the beauty of men and women is said to be a black mark today. Islam has imposed limits on the mixed gatherings of men and women; this concept has been dispelled today. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) has said: Beware! A man is not alone with a (stranger) woman but the third of them.
The code of modesty for both men and women includes: lowering the gaze and avoiding flirtatious speech and conduct, avoiding close physical contact with unrelated members of the opposite sex, observing modest or Islamic dress, avoid wearing perfume or cosmetics in front of unrelated men (and related men who are eligible for a woman to marry) and avoid drawing attention to jewellery and other hidden adornments. Modesty is just an aspect of a Muslim’s spirituality which focuses on worship and obedience to One God. Muslims should also strive to be truthful, sincere, humble, patient, forgiving, charitable, moderate, kind and considerate.
