Modesty (1/2)

Islam is a complete way of life, and it has not left out any aspect of human life in its prescription for living. It is to this religion's credit that not only does it point out the dangers of life, but it offers practical solutions to them. One such area is that of modesty, which in the broadest sense means humility, restraint in manner and conduct, avoiding excess and presenting an unpretentious appearance. This is the way of life taught by the Qur’an and exemplified by the Prophet.

In humanity, the worst crime after murder is zina (adultery), and the punishment dictated by Islam for adultery is equal to that meted out for murder. This indicates the enormity of illicit sexual conduct and the disgust with which Islam views this crime.

'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported, "I asked the Messenger of Allah, 'What is the greatest sin?' He replied, 'To set up rivals with Allah by worshipping others although He alone has created you'. I asked, 'What next?' He said, 'To kill your child lest it should share your food'. I asked, 'What next?' He said, 'To commit adultery with the wife of your neighbour'."

The reason behind the prohibition of zina is not to "spoil the fun" for people, but because zina is the cause of much social chaos, upheaval and suffering for individuals, families, societies and nations. Zina destroys the moral fibre of a person, creates an atmosphere of mistrust and deceit, and leads to the birth of illegitimate children who must bear the stigma of their birth. Pornography, prostitution, rape, abortions, divorce and single-parent families are the byproducts of zina, as is now all too evident in Britain and other Western societies. Families are torn apart, diseases are spread and people's characters become twisted and distorted. The Qur'an warns us:

“Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils).” [Surah Al-Isra', 17:32]

To protect the moral well-being of mankind, Islam lays down laws which restrict, if not stop, the things that may lead to zina.

Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for (Amongst) them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.

“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments...” [Surah An-Nur, 24:30-31]

The first step on the road to zina is sight. It is only after a person has had a glance that his desires are inflamed. As men are generally more aggressive in this way, the Qur'an addresses the command of lowering the gaze to the male first. The believing men and women are restricted from gazing at one another, as this is the gateway to greater sin. The Prophet said:

"The zina of the legs is walking towards an unlawful act, the zina of the hands is touching and patting, and the zina of the eyes is casting passionate lances at those who are forbidden to you."

Being a practical religion, Islam recognises the fact that a person has to look around to be aware of his or her environment and to see where he or she is going, in which case there is no sin if a person's glance happens to fall upon a person of the opposite sex. It is the second glance which is punishable. The Prophet advised Ali:

"O Ali, do not allow your first glance to be followed by second, because the first glance is permitted for you but the second is not".

In other ahadith, the Prophet warned Muslims against putting themselves into situations where temptation may overwhelm them the potential for sin is increased:

"Let no male stranger sit in privacy with a female stranger, for the third among them is Satan".

"Do not go to the houses of women whose husbands are absent".

There are exceptions to this prohibition on looking at members of the opposite sex. In the case of medical examinations or treatment, deciding on a marriage partner, recording evidence or carrying out criminal investigations, the rulings are relaxed somewhat, but proper conduct and modesty must still be adhered to.

The free mixing of men and women from the time they become sexually aware to the time they are no longer sexually active is prohibited. On the face of it, this may appear rather harsh, but if we examine the effects of unrestricted contact between the sexes, the person who is blessed with understanding and insight will soon see the wisdom behind this restriction. Today, in the Western world, every type of crime that results from free mixing of the sexes is on the increase.

(Continued)