Modesty: More Than Just Hijab

By Dania Ali

Once, a Sahabi approached the Messenger (ﷺ) and asked, “Oh Messenger of Allah, is modesty part of faith?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Rather, it is the entire religion.” The most common misconception there is when it comes to modesty is that it only applies to a woman’s hijab. However, the idea of modesty goes beyond that. Hijab is not only a piece of cloth Muslim women wear on their heads, but it is a way of life for both men and women.

Imam Baqir once said, “Modesty and faith are connected with one another just like two things fastened by a rope. If one of them is gone, the other is also lost.”

As Muslims, it is our duty to bear modesty to please Allah (SWT) and be in touch with our religion. In Arabic, the word modesty translates to Hayaa. The word Hayaa sounds similar to the Arabic word Hayaat, meaning life. In fact, their roots are the same. Some scholars have even said that just like Hayaat is the life of the body, Hayaa is the life of the soul. So what does Hayaa mean? In literal terms, the definition is having a sense of shame and humility, but its definition goes beyond that. Hayaa means acting in a manner of self-dignity; it prevents you from doing that which is scandalous and brings blame. While many people believe that Islam exceedingly emphasizes modesty on women, Allah (SWT) commands men to maintain Hayaa before He asks that from women.

In Surah An-Nur, Allah (SWT) declares, “Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do” (Quran 24:30). In the following ayah, He (SWT) instructs women to do their part, proclaiming, “And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed” (Quran 24:31).

Now the question is, in what ways can Muslims maintain Hayaa? Here are a few of the aspects we should implement modesty towards:

• The Way We Dress: Dressing according to the Quran and Sunnah. This generally includes looser garments for both genders, and wearing the hijab for women.

• The Things We Say: Refraining from using vulgar language when overwhelmed with emotions. Never raise your voice when speaking to others. Speaking only on appropriate topics.

• The Things We Do: Always obeying Allah (SWT) when doing things in private and public. Lowering your gaze for both men and women.

• The Places We Go: Staying away from places that consist of forbidden things such as bars which serve alcohol.

• The Friends We Have: Having friends that bring your closer to Allah (SWT) and Islam rather than distance you from Him.

• The Way We Treat Others: Treating everyone with respect and kindness.

If you don’t have Hayaa, you have lifted the barrier to commit any sin. This is something the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) feared for the future of his Umma, and for some people it is the truth. May Allah (SWT) protect us all and guide us to always remain on the straight path. May Allah (SWT) allow us to implement Hayaa into our everyday lives and any other qualities we may need to achieve it (such as patience). May Allah (SWT) give all women the guidance to wear the hijab and for men to practice wearing modest clothing. May Allah (SWT) reward our efforts to achieve Hayaa.

Sources The Meaning of Modesty

Modesty in Islam