In short | Islam prescribes distinct dress codes for men and women to preserve modesty, dignity, and mutual respect. Both are commanded to lower their gaze and maintain purity in interactions. These divine guidelines balance social responsibility and spiritual growth for all Muslims.
Understanding Human Nature and the Purpose of Modesty
Allah has created men and women with different roles to fulfill in life; He knows what is good and bad for us, so He has decreed the rules of modesty for both men and women.
It does not need any high intelligence for us to look within our nature and see why men become attracted to women and why women, by nature, look forward to being adored and present themselves as attractive to members of the opposite sex.
It is precisely this weakness in man and woman that leads them to temptations and fall into fornication and adultery. So, God has revealed laws to protect us against our evil inclinations within.
Islamic rules of modest attire aim at safeguarding the modesty, dignity, and honor of men and women.
Qur’anic Guidance on Modesty for Both Men and Women
Allah, the Creator of humans, knows our nature better than we do. Thus, He has prescribed appropriate rules of behavior and appearance to be observed when men and women interact with one another in a social milieu.
These rules of interaction also include a prescription for modest dressing, which, I should hasten to add, applies to both males and females.
Hijab or the modest attire Islam prescribes forms part of a holistic program of Islamic ethics and morals governing male and female interaction. Prescribing the rule of Hijab, Allah says, {Say to the believing men to lower their gazes and guard their chastity.} (An-Nur 24:30)
{And say to the believing women to lower their gazes and guard their chastity, and let them not display of their charm– except what is apparent.} (An-Nur 24:31)
Balancing Responsibility: Modesty Is Not Only for Women
A very important aside has to be included here as it is seldom mentioned in discussions on women’s attire.
Unfortunately, the onus for guarding the honor and purity of the Muslim society is often laid solely on the backs of women. While recently, there has been more stress on the rules of Islamic dress for men, what needs to be addressed is the requirement of Muslim men to lower their gaze and maintain Islamic decorum in relations with all women, not just Muslim women.
It is not rare to see a Muslim couple walking where the woman is in full Hijab while her husband is gawking at other women. Or to see a father instructing his daughter to cover appropriately before going out and then turning back to watch a TV show full of improperly attired women.
There is wisdom in the Quranic injunction to women to cover themselves, being stated alongside the order to men to lower their gaze. Allah is just, and justice would not be served if women were to be the only guardians of honor.
The Hijab can become a tool of oppression if Muslim males do not maintain their part of this balance. It is often stated that it is difficult for Muslim men to avert their gaze and interact in business-like ways with women in a society where such behavior is considered anti-social.
To this, we can answer that it is just as difficult or even more so for a Muslim woman to maintain a Hijab in such a society. These tasks can be a struggle, and Muslim males and females should view their respective duties as a social responsibility as well as acts of worship. As Allah states in the last part of the verse on Hijab, {O you who believe, turn ye altogether towards Allah in repentance that you me be successful.} (An-Nur 24:31)
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