Modesty mentioned in the Quran
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity…”
Surah An-Nur (24:30–31)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
These verses show that modesty begins with lowering the gaze, controlling desires, and guarding one’s dignity. It is not only a women’s issue men are addressed first.
In Surah Al-Ahzab:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their outer garments over themselves…”
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
This verse emphasizes modest dress as a protection and a sign of dignity and respect.
Allah says:
“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.”
Surah Al-A‘raf (7:26)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
This teaches that true modesty is not just outward clothing but inner righteousness (taqwa).
Modesty mentioned in the Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized modesty strongly. In a hadith recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet ﷺ passed by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding Haya (pious shyness from committing religious indiscretions) and was saying, "You are very shy, and I am afraid that might harm you." On that, Allah's Apostle said, "Leave him, for Haya is (a part) of Faith."
Translated Hadith from Arabic to English
In Sahih Bukhari:
“Faith has sixty to seventy branches, the best of which is to declare there is no God but Allah, the least of which is to remove something harmful from the road, and modesty is a branch of faith.”
Translated Hadith from Arabic to English
The Prophet ﷺ himself was described as more modest than a shy virgin girl in her private room. If he saw something that he disliked, we would see it on his face. His modesty was reflected in:
His speech (never harsh or vulgar)
His gaze (lowered and respectful)
His dress (simple and dignified)
His interactions (pure and honorable)
True Islamic modesty includes:
Covering the awrah properly according to Islamic guidelines.
Avoiding vulgar language, flirting, and inappropriate jokes.
Avoiding free mixing that leads to temptation, guarding interactions between genders.
Not displaying oneself for attention or seeking validation through immodest images.
Some Muslim majority countries emphasize modesty more strongly in public life through culture and law. For example:
• Saudi Arabia – Traditionally emphasizes modest dress and public behavior.
• Afghanistan – Enforces strict modesty laws.
• Qatar – Encourages modest dress in public spaces.
However, it is important to understand that true modesty is not only about laws or countries. A society may have rules, but real modesty begins in the heart of individuals.
When modesty disappears, several social problems increase. Immodesty and uncontrolled desires lead to:
Adultery
Divorce
Weak family structure
Media and advertising begin to objectify men and women, reducing human dignity to physical appearance.
When moral boundaries weaken, respect between genders decreases and increase in harassment.
Decrease in mental & physical wellbeing, constant comparison, body exposure culture, and seeking validation can lead to:
Depression
Anxiety
Low self esteem
When shame disappears, sins become normalized and even celebrated publicly.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Verily, among the words people obtained from the Prophets are this: If you feel no shame, do as you wish.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Translated Hadith from Arabic to English
This means that once modesty leaves the heart, a person may commit any wrongdoing without hesitation.
History shows that moral corruption contributes to the downfall of civilizations.
Adultery becomes common
Marriage is delayed or avoided
Children grow up without stable families
Entertainment promotes immorality
Islam protects society by protecting:
1. Faith
2. Family
3. Honor
4. Lineage
Modesty is the shield that guards all of these.
Modesty in Islam is not backwardness, it is protection, dignity, and honor. The Quran and Sunnah teach that haya is part of faith and a foundation of a strong society.
When modesty is preserved:
Families are strong
Hearts are pure
Society is stable
When modesty is abandoned:
Morals decline
Families weaken
Social corruption spreads
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك أشهد ان لا اله الا انت استغفرك وأتوب اليك