Where has our modesty gone?

A Branch of Faith
By Hafiz Raakin Hossain & Rashad Abdullah


In a time of turbulence for the Muslims around the globe, a great number of believers have rebuffed and forsaken the greatest beauty/attribute of our religion. Modesty. If there were one word to summarize the whole religion of Islam, it would be modesty. That word can cover the way we are taught to speak, dress, eat, and even go around with our daily duties. Unfortunately, we, as one Ummah, consider the emulation of the Prophet to be harsh and despicable.

When walking out of any store, we will see our own brothers and sisters clad with the shortest and most transparent garments available in the market. The lowest form of faith, as related in Hadith, is to at least feel shame in the heart and soul. However in recent days, we observe our fellow Muslims demeaning one another through words and actions to those endeavoring to imitate the teachings of our Noble Prophet. Had these brothers or sisters given even the slightest of thought for what is hidden behind those numbers of long, modest clothing, they would have felt shame for brusquely taking those steps for causing humiliation to their own religious partners.

The Shari’ah has given us much leniency in terms of dress code. Leniency is a bounty, and every bounty has its boundaries. The dress code has only three conditions: loose fit, not transparent, and covers the basic Satr (private parts). The Satr is defined as the navel to just below the knees for men and everything but the face and hands for the females. In summary, the dress code is simply anything but lecherous clothing which may attract the opposite gender.

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhe Wasallam) himself wore simple striped clothing. He had but a few sets, which he saved one for special occasions such as Jumuah and Eid. The key point to understand is the difference between Seerah and Shari’ah. The Prophet’s actions are considered Seerah, and in status higher than Shari’ah. Shari’ah teaches us the basic necessity as Muslim. Islam does not give us a restriction as long as the uniform fits the basic criteria. Imam Malik, the famous Islamic jurist of his time, wore a new garment every day. A modest garment will only pave the road to eternal success and bliss.

The purpose of this writing is not to persuade, but to spark. Spark the fire of yearning and love to show the world that we can. Even the world’s weakest of people can make a change, if they just take small steps. At times, looking at the larger picture can seem strenuous, but in the short journey of life, the elders will always regret. They will look back in the mirror when their skin was smooth and their limbs were fully functioning. And they will wonder why they had not taken those small steps and milestones, rather than glimpsing at the bigger picture. That lesson has been meant for us to heed.


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Please post your feedback and comments. I wrote this a year ago or so, and I thought it's time I take it out of the cupboard.