MODESTY IS THE KEY
Greater Kashmir
Publish Date: Oct 20 2009 12:00PM
Haya is a forgotten virtue. This is the only weapon that guards the chastity of women against all immoral onslaughts, writes Dr Fiaz Fazili. “La tattabe’oo khotowaatish-shaitaan:;” Follow not the footsteps of Satan. ( Quran-Albaqarah)
Islam is based on the laws of nature, and provides a system of norms and values, a code of conduct, not only to live a healthy, productive and peaceful life in this world but also earn the forgiveness, mercy and pleasure of Allah along the way. Muslims are encouraged to adopt certain qualities and characteristics so that they are able to cope with the problems of life and conduct their social relations in the best way. Allah (SWT) has given the Muslims a very high, honorable, and dignified position, in which the moral character, pride and honor of muslimah is invaluable. It is the nature of woman to have “hayaa”. Hayais an Arabic word ( coming from Hayat-life)which covers a wide number of concepts. Often it is difficult to find an exact word in English vocabulary for an Arabic word. Word “Modesty” has been commonly used for HAYA by many translators, but in actual it expresses a combination of many behavior states like shyness, self-respect, bashfulness, shame, honor, etc.
Modesty, a universally acclaimed virtue, ordained even in the New Testament if violated constitutes sin. Prophet (saw) was keen to stress,"Modesty brings nothing but good." (Muslim & Bukhari).We live in an age that glorifies immodesty and immorality . Look at the unraveling of our society. ... ' incapable of controlling the ever increasing degree of moral degradation in our society which remains the most topical issues in our media ,religious circles and social gatherings(marriages, cultural festivals, etc). We the believers denounce reprobate type of Western entertainment which promotes hedonism, obscenity, promiscuity on the name of modernism, eroding the culture and socio- religious values of our traditional modest society. We do not want our youths to be misled. So here’s a question: (all excellent, it seems to me) which of these items represents a greater threat to the moral character of our society? Should we be more concerned with a) modest dress which has become so commonly excepted that it doesn't bother most people., and feel no shame if they see someone on television. or in public who is dressed immodestly, and wouldn't have any problem dressing the same way as are marginally dressed alienated celebrities ,or b) a trend of abominable repulsive behavior which our youngsters display on streets or riding bikes, in private vehicles or buses , in their homes while interacting with their parents or elders anywhere, c) a DVD video/web game/narcotic marketed to youth that promotes violence or vulgarity, or d)demonized literature distorting the meaning and character of our scriptures or revered personalities?
In our emancipated society, people seem to have difficulty in adhering to various Islamic norms and values, like chastity and modesty. On almost every commercial advertisement, whether it be on a billboard, magazine, or in a television or web and regardless if the advertised product is food, clothing, perfume, or automobiles, the allurement is not the product itself, but men and women who are dressed immodestly. Some western women organizations on the name of “women’s lib `”try to cast shadows on our women’s modesty, painting it as a weakness and encroachment upon one’s independence or free will . Driven by fashion trends modesty has disappeared from the society.
Most people feel no shame if they see someone on TV or in public who is dressed immodestly, and wouldn't have any problem dressing the same way. No doubt styles of clothes are not specified in scriptures with no evidence to wear tunics and turbans today. Most modest dress codes and standards come from various religious and cultural doctrines. There are discrepancies on this within each religion and styles change differ from nation to nation, age to age, and even person to person. Each person has a choice to adopt any style of dress as long as they do not violate the religious guidelines .This writer personally does not believe that such women or men are intentionally defying the Word of Allah (ST). Rather, they probably are unaware that Allah (ST)has clearly spoken against this practice. And He surely has. Ignorance of His Word however, is never justified.
Modern society and technology offer many conveniences but they also entice the weak and the vulnerable to easily fall for bad company and evil temptations. The ill educated fall easily prey unknowingly and deviate towards the Satanic path enter the spider’s web. The Western trends have so hypnotized not only the Muslim woman but also men, that they would follow it even if it leads them to the snake’s snare. We see them dressed in such clothes that are equivalent to being undressed. Prophet (SAW) said about the types of people in Hellfire among them are women who are clothed yet naked, astray, tempting,. They will neither enter the Paradise nor even smell its fragrance. [Muslim). Modesty is not something only for women as many people have the misconception, but it involves both genders. Also, the sphere of modesty in Islamic morality is not restricted to one's manner of dress, particularly headscarf or hijab for the ladies ,which of course forms an essential component. Additionally believers are expected to recognize themselves in society by politeness in speech, humility in manners, decency in attitude, respecting others without vanity or showiness.
Modesty and faith are interlinked. If either of them is lacking, the other is lacking too. Modesty is a strong moral deterrent against all evil inclinations, and prevents human beings from indulging into indecency and obscenity. If they commit any wrong under pressure of animal nature, it is modesty which makes them feel the pangs of conscience and shame. Prophet (SAW) said : “…..if you feel no shame, then do as you wish.” (Al-Bukhari,). Hence a person who has no sense of shame is not affected by people’s reaction to whatever he/she might indulge in. A believer who is convinced of meeting Allah(ST) and having to account for what he/she does in this life will hesitate before indulging in anything displeasing Allah(ST). Our traditionally modest society seems to be in trouble, so we must stand by our beliefs, uphold our Faith and stand firm in the face of Satan. We cannot give in to popular tricks of Satan. Unfortunately, present day enlightened modernists’ influenced by the twilight of Western culture slander our culture discouraging the callers like me by labeling “backward and unprogressive”. This is mostly due to the lack of proper comprehension of the overall objective of Islamic teachings, and also partly due to vicious impressions created by the Islamophobes .
Children are the primary responsibility of their parents. But teachers should also lay emphasis on moral values like modesty. The media and its public consumption also have a responsibility to provide a variety of choices for their viewers. With hundreds of channel choices what you or your family watches is entirely up to you. We are living in this so called free society, we need to continually remind ourselves about the pivotal role chastity plays in our daily lives and how at risk we are if we are not sedulous in guarding our chastity. One of the signs of Last Day is, haya will go away from society, so before the boat drowns; Hold on tightly to Habl-Allah and that is the Holy Book of Allah (SWT) and the Sunnah of the messenger of Allah (saw.)That’s your shield against all evils. Be proud of your religion, your religion is the sole Truth. let us guard our chastity, we need to appraise the conveniences of modernism cautiously, avail them responsibly, and protect ourselves especially the youth from their risks. Allah (ST) says: “O children of Adam, We have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness.” (Quran Al-A`raf). First, let me be honest with myself and take stock of my own lifestyle.
(Written in the remembrance of `princesses of Haya’, (like Romana, the innocent girl who fell to the ruthlessness of a few beasts)
https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/gk-magazine/moral-crisis-in-society/62936.html
Islam is based on the laws of nature, and provides a system of norms and values, a code of conduct, not only to live a healthy, productive and peaceful life in this world but also earn the forgiveness, mercy and pleasure of Allah along the way. Muslims are encouraged to adopt certain qualities and characteristics so that they are able to cope with the problems of life and conduct their social relations in the best way. Allah (SWT) has given the Muslims a very high, honorable, and dignified position, in which the moral character, pride and honor of muslimah is invaluable. It is the nature of woman to have “hayaa”. Hayais an Arabic word ( coming from Hayat-life)which covers a wide number of concepts. Often it is difficult to find an exact word in English vocabulary for an Arabic word. Word “Modesty” has been commonly used for HAYA by many translators, but in actual it expresses a combination of many behavior states like shyness, self-respect, bashfulness, shame, honor, etc.
Modesty, a universally acclaimed virtue, ordained even in the New Testament if violated constitutes sin. Prophet (saw) was keen to stress,"Modesty brings nothing but good." (Muslim & Bukhari).We live in an age that glorifies immodesty and immorality . Look at the unraveling of our society. ... ' incapable of controlling the ever increasing degree of moral degradation in our society which remains the most topical issues in our media ,religious circles and social gatherings(marriages, cultural festivals, etc). We the believers denounce reprobate type of Western entertainment which promotes hedonism, obscenity, promiscuity on the name of modernism, eroding the culture and socio- religious values of our traditional modest society. We do not want our youths to be misled. So here’s a question: (all excellent, it seems to me) which of these items represents a greater threat to the moral character of our society? Should we be more concerned with a) modest dress which has become so commonly excepted that it doesn't bother most people., and feel no shame if they see someone on television. or in public who is dressed immodestly, and wouldn't have any problem dressing the same way as are marginally dressed alienated celebrities ,or b) a trend of abominable repulsive behavior which our youngsters display on streets or riding bikes, in private vehicles or buses , in their homes while interacting with their parents or elders anywhere, c) a DVD video/web game/narcotic marketed to youth that promotes violence or vulgarity, or d)demonized literature distorting the meaning and character of our scriptures or revered personalities?
In our emancipated society, people seem to have difficulty in adhering to various Islamic norms and values, like chastity and modesty. On almost every commercial advertisement, whether it be on a billboard, magazine, or in a television or web and regardless if the advertised product is food, clothing, perfume, or automobiles, the allurement is not the product itself, but men and women who are dressed immodestly. Some western women organizations on the name of “women’s lib `”try to cast shadows on our women’s modesty, painting it as a weakness and encroachment upon one’s independence or free will . Driven by fashion trends modesty has disappeared from the society.
Most people feel no shame if they see someone on TV or in public who is dressed immodestly, and wouldn't have any problem dressing the same way. No doubt styles of clothes are not specified in scriptures with no evidence to wear tunics and turbans today. Most modest dress codes and standards come from various religious and cultural doctrines. There are discrepancies on this within each religion and styles change differ from nation to nation, age to age, and even person to person. Each person has a choice to adopt any style of dress as long as they do not violate the religious guidelines .This writer personally does not believe that such women or men are intentionally defying the Word of Allah (ST). Rather, they probably are unaware that Allah (ST)has clearly spoken against this practice. And He surely has. Ignorance of His Word however, is never justified.
Modern society and technology offer many conveniences but they also entice the weak and the vulnerable to easily fall for bad company and evil temptations. The ill educated fall easily prey unknowingly and deviate towards the Satanic path enter the spider’s web. The Western trends have so hypnotized not only the Muslim woman but also men, that they would follow it even if it leads them to the snake’s snare. We see them dressed in such clothes that are equivalent to being undressed. Prophet (SAW) said about the types of people in Hellfire among them are women who are clothed yet naked, astray, tempting,. They will neither enter the Paradise nor even smell its fragrance. [Muslim). Modesty is not something only for women as many people have the misconception, but it involves both genders. Also, the sphere of modesty in Islamic morality is not restricted to one's manner of dress, particularly headscarf or hijab for the ladies ,which of course forms an essential component. Additionally believers are expected to recognize themselves in society by politeness in speech, humility in manners, decency in attitude, respecting others without vanity or showiness.
Modesty and faith are interlinked. If either of them is lacking, the other is lacking too. Modesty is a strong moral deterrent against all evil inclinations, and prevents human beings from indulging into indecency and obscenity. If they commit any wrong under pressure of animal nature, it is modesty which makes them feel the pangs of conscience and shame. Prophet (SAW) said : “…..if you feel no shame, then do as you wish.” (Al-Bukhari,). Hence a person who has no sense of shame is not affected by people’s reaction to whatever he/she might indulge in. A believer who is convinced of meeting Allah(ST) and having to account for what he/she does in this life will hesitate before indulging in anything displeasing Allah(ST). Our traditionally modest society seems to be in trouble, so we must stand by our beliefs, uphold our Faith and stand firm in the face of Satan. We cannot give in to popular tricks of Satan. Unfortunately, present day enlightened modernists’ influenced by the twilight of Western culture slander our culture discouraging the callers like me by labeling “backward and unprogressive”. This is mostly due to the lack of proper comprehension of the overall objective of Islamic teachings, and also partly due to vicious impressions created by the Islamophobes .
Children are the primary responsibility of their parents. But teachers should also lay emphasis on moral values like modesty. The media and its public consumption also have a responsibility to provide a variety of choices for their viewers. With hundreds of channel choices what you or your family watches is entirely up to you. We are living in this so called free society, we need to continually remind ourselves about the pivotal role chastity plays in our daily lives and how at risk we are if we are not sedulous in guarding our chastity. One of the signs of Last Day is, haya will go away from society, so before the boat drowns; Hold on tightly to Habl-Allah and that is the Holy Book of Allah (SWT) and the Sunnah of the messenger of Allah (saw.)That’s your shield against all evils. Be proud of your religion, your religion is the sole Truth. let us guard our chastity, we need to appraise the conveniences of modernism cautiously, avail them responsibly, and protect ourselves especially the youth from their risks. Allah (ST) says: “O children of Adam, We have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness.” (Quran Al-A`raf). First, let me be honest with myself and take stock of my own lifestyle.
(Written in the remembrance of `princesses of Haya’, (like Romana, the innocent girl who fell to the ruthlessness of a few beasts)
https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/gk-magazine/moral-crisis-in-society/62936.html
