The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was himself a
model of modesty. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) reported that the Prophet (pbuh)
never looked at people in an inappropriate way, even during a time when nudity
was present, such as during pagan rituals around the Ka’aba. He (pbuh) also
taught: “Modesty brings only good.” (Bukhari)
In the Holy Quran, Allah commands believers to
protect their chastity and lower their gaze: “Tell
the believers to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for
them. Indeed, Allah is fully aware of what they do.” (An-Nur, 24: 31).
This verse puts emphasis on the importance of modesty as a way to purify the
soul and strengthen faith.
In today’s world, society faces a decline in moral values, worsened by the influence of the media and Western culture. Pornography, which was once marginal, has become widespread due to the internet and modern technology.
Indecent content is now easily accessible, with
just a click on a computer mouse or smartphone. Additionally, some television
channels broadcast sexually explicit films late at night. What is concerning is
the increasing number of people who are becoming dependent on such content,
with the numbers continuously rising. Inappropriate videos can now be easily
downloaded onto smartphones and are often shared among friends through private networks.
This early and excessive exposure to immoral
content has distorted young people’s perceptions of relationships and weakened
their faith (Iman). The Holy Prophet (pbuh) warned: “When indecency
is part of something, it makes it defective; and when modesty is part of
something, it makes it more beautiful.” (Tirmidhi)
Alongside exposure to pornography, alcohol
addiction and drug abuse are also serious issues affecting society. These
harmful influences distort people’s judgment, weaken their faith, and lead them
away from moral principles. Young Muslims, like others, are not spared from
these dangers. Such practices normalize immorality and encourage destructive
behaviours, threatening social harmony and family stability. It is crucial to
educate and guide young people to recognize these dangers and protect
themselves. We must instill values of modesty, self-restraint, and integrity, as
taught in Islam. Together, we must act to preserve the purity of our souls and
build a society based on strong and virtuous principles.
Therefore, it is essential to teach children
from a young age about the importance of modesty. Whether boys or girls, they
should learn to dress properly in a respectful and modest manner, behave
respectfully in society, and avoid harmful influences from the media, so-called
“modern fashions,” and bad company that may lead them astray. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh)
said: “Every religion has a distinctive characteristic, and that of Islam is
modesty.” (Abu Dawud, Al-Muwatta).
A Muslim child must understand that modesty is
an essential virtue that preserves the purity of the heart and strengthens
faith. Neglecting modesty puts one’s connection with Allah at risk. Just as
jealousy can destroy good deeds, exposure to unlawful content can weaken the soul
and compromise spiritual efforts. It is therefore very important to remain
constantly vigilant and avoid harmful influences that lead people – especially
young Muslims – away from righteousness.
Parents, educators, and leaders have a great
responsibility in instilling these values in young people. When we teach
modesty, we are not only protecting our children but also safeguarding the
future of the Muslim community (Ummah). As one saying goes: “One who
imitates others loses their identity.” Muslims should seek inspiration from
the teachings of our beloved Prophet (pbuh) rather than from Western models.
On the contrary, Muslims should strive to be
role models for others. We must be leaders in modesty and righteousness,
setting an example for others to follow. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was the perfect
model of integrity and demonstrated the true value of Al-Hayaa (modesty)
and its close link to Iman (faith). If a Muslim loses their modesty,
they risk losing their faith too. Therefore, it is essential to protect both
our faith and our modesty. Young Muslims must realize this before it is too
late. The Ummah cannot progress if its youth fall into the traps and dangers of
modern immorality. They must remember that they are the future of the Muslim
community. If the future generation falls into these traps, the entire Ummah
will suffer. This is a serious concern that all Muslims must take to heart and
work to change for the better, ensuring that Islam and its values are
preserved.
May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to
uphold modesty in our daily lives and guide our children on the right path.
Modesty is a light that illuminates the heart and strengthens faith. May this
virtue, i.e. Al-Hayaa, be deeply cherished, preserved, and passed on to
future generations, Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---25 April 2025~ 25 Shawwal 1446 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.