By: Islamic Reflections
Introduction
In Islam, ḥayāʾ (حياء) is a beautiful quality that encompasses modesty, shyness, dignity, and a sense of shame toward what displeases Allah. It is not merely about clothing or outward appearance; it is a quality of the heart that influences a person's words, actions, and behavior.
Today, some Muslims are concerned that the practice of ḥayāʾ appears to be weakening in certain communities. Among Muslim women, discussions often focus on modest dress, social interactions, and behavior in public and on social media.
But why does this seem to be happening, and what can we do to strengthen ḥayāʾ in our communities?
1. Ḥayāʾ Is a Branch of Faith
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of modesty in Islam.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«“Modesty is part of faith.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim»
This hadith teaches us that ḥayāʾ is not an insignificant cultural custom. It is an important Islamic virtue that should be cultivated by every believer.
A person who possesses ḥayāʾ is conscious of Allah, mindful of their conduct, and careful not to cross the boundaries established by Islam.
However, modesty should not be reduced to outward appearance alone. It also includes sincerity, humility, respectful speech, and good character.
2. The Influence of Social Media and Modern Culture
Social media has become a powerful influence on how people dress, communicate, and present themselves to the world.
Platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram can expose users to content that normalizes immodest clothing, flirtatious behavior, and the public display of private matters.
When such behavior becomes widespread, some people may gradually begin to view it as ordinary or acceptable.
Nevertheless, social media is not the only cause, and it would be unfair to blame every Muslim woman or all modern influences. These platforms can also be used to spread beneficial Islamic knowledge, encourage modesty, and inspire good deeds.
The responsibility lies in using these tools wisely and remembering that popularity does not determine what is right according to Islam.
3. The Difference Between Freedom and Modesty
Islam honors women and recognizes their dignity and rights. At the same time, Islam teaches that freedom and personal expression should be accompanied by responsibility and obedience to Allah.
Modesty does not mean that women should be denied education, work, or participation in society. Rather, Islamic modesty provides principles for maintaining dignity and appropriate boundaries in everyday life.
A Muslim woman can be educated, confident, successful, and active in society while observing ḥayāʾ. The same principle applies to Muslim men.
True modesty is not weakness. It is a reflection of self-respect, discipline, and consciousness of Allah.
4. The Role of Parents and the Community
The development of ḥayāʾ begins at home. Parents, teachers, and community leaders have an important responsibility to teach children Islamic manners and values.
However, modesty is best taught through a combination of knowledge, patience, and good example.
Parents should encourage their children to understand why Islamic teachings matter rather than relying only on criticism or punishment. Religious leaders should also explain the wisdom behind modesty with compassion and sound Islamic knowledge.
When young Muslims see good character demonstrated by the adults around them, they have a stronger example to follow.
5. Ḥayāʾ Is More Than Wearing the Hijab
Hijab is an important aspect of Islamic modesty, but ḥayāʾ encompasses much more than clothing.
It includes:
- Modesty in dress: Observing the Islamic guidelines for covering the body.
- Modesty in speech: Avoiding indecent language, insults, and inappropriate communication.
- Modesty in behavior: Maintaining appropriate boundaries in relationships and social interactions.
- Modesty in character: Practicing humility, honesty, respect, and self-restraint.
- Modesty before Allah: Remembering that Allah knows what is public and what is hidden.
A person should not use another person's appearance as the sole measure of their faith or character. Outward conduct matters, but the condition of the heart is ultimately known to Allah.
6. The Qur'an Calls Both Men and Women to Modesty
Allah addresses believing men first in Surah An-Nur:
«“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity.”
— Qur'an 24:30»
Allah then addresses believing women in the following verse, instructing them to lower their gaze, guard their chastity, and observe the prescribed standards of modesty (Qur'an 24:31).
This order reminds us that modesty is a responsibility shared by both sexes.
It is therefore inappropriate to place the entire burden of preserving Islamic morality on women while overlooking the conduct of men. Both must strive to observe the teachings of Islam.
7. How Can We Revive Ḥayāʾ in Our Communities?
Reviving ḥayāʾ requires more than criticizing the behavior of others. It requires personal reflection and constructive action.
We can begin by:
1. Strengthening Islamic knowledge through the Qur'an, authentic hadith, and reliable scholars.
2. Practicing what we teach by demonstrating modesty in our own clothing, speech, and conduct.
3. Guiding others with wisdom rather than humiliating them or exposing their mistakes.
4. Using social media responsibly and avoiding content that encourages indecency.
5. Encouraging both men and women to fulfill their Islamic responsibilities.
6. Making du'a that Allah beautifies our character and strengthens our faith.
The goal should not be to make people feel hopeless or unwelcome in the Muslim community. It should be to help one another grow closer to Allah.
Conclusion: Let Us Restore the Beauty of Ḥayāʾ
The concern about declining ḥayāʾ among some Muslims should encourage reflection rather than blanket condemnation. Every generation faces different challenges, and every believer has areas in which they can improve.
Ḥayāʾ is a quality that protects dignity, encourages good conduct, and strengthens one's relationship with Allah. It should be nurtured in the heart and reflected in everyday life.
Instead of merely asking why some Muslim women appear to have less modesty today, we should also ask ourselves: Are we teaching Islamic values effectively? Are we setting good examples? Are we encouraging others with wisdom and compassion?
Let us remember that modesty is not the responsibility of women alone. It is a virtue that every Muslim should strive to embody.
May Allah grant our Muslim women and men true ḥayāʾ, protect our families from harmful influences, strengthen our faith, and beautify our character with righteousness. Āmīn.
Allah knows best.