Seedlings of Modesty

We always hear that Islam is a way of life as opposed to a religion- it is a mode of being rather than a meaningless ritual. In many ways, this makes sense because as Muslims we’re taught to remember Allah constantly, pray five times a day and think of others’ well being by giving annual charity. But what about when it comes to aspects of our religion which have become ritualized? What can we do to transform these acts into embodiments of our character?

One aspect of our religion that seems to be a ritual nowadays is modesty. It is thought of as only a piece of cloth, a particular manner one upholds when dealing with someone of the opposite gender or, at times, it’s just lip service to counter the lewd state of today’s media, television and pop culture.

So then where does this modesty come from actually? The Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wassalam) told us “Indeed from the teachings of the first prophets which has reached you is, ‘If you do not have shyness, then do as you please.’ ” (Al-Bukhari)

Clearly, this quality of shyness and modesty goes beyond just covering, lowering our gaze and dealing modestly with others around us, though all of these are indeed important and well established practices of our Deen. It is a sense of being in which an individual knowingly restrains him or herself from doing what is wrong and what displeases Allah. It is when one gives up random, heedless thought, statement or conduct in favor of guided, purposeful manner encouraged by the Creator.

Shyness from Allah, therefore – shyness in commiting a sin in secret or public, in being ungrateful to Him– must settle in the heart first and then manifest itself upon the limbs. The fact that Allah the Most High is watching each and every one of us and will take us to account should be our ultimate motivation to be shy and modest.

When it comes to sins, we ought to think, would you do this if the Imam of your masjid was watching you? If no, how about if the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah upon him) was witnessing your act? How about then the Creator and Sustainer of the Worlds, Allah, the Most High – He is always watching us. Some scholars put it well when they said, “Don’t be shaytan’s enemy in public and best friend in private.” For shyness and modesty to truly be a part of us, it must be inculcated in our hearts and minds 24/7.

It is then important to realize that cultivating the seeds of modesty starts with the realization that Allah is watching us at all times and will take us to account. It should remind us all that we are at war with Shaytan, the accursed one, and we need to safeguard our Eeman and souls from the massive daily attacks we face. Among other things, the seeds of modesty reap immediate crops. Did you ever have that one good deed you knew you should do or that one particular sin you knew you should stop? Well, this sense of shyness should be the tipping point for you to get on the bandwagon of Allah’s Pleasure. It should encourage each and every one of us to give up backbiting once and for all, take the initiative to finally speak to our neighbors with a good word, prioritize giving our family members their rights and control our anger when we are about to say something we’ll regret forever. This sense of feeling shy of Allah should of course also manifest itself in other ways such as dealing with others in the society respectfully, wearing modest clothing and lowering our gaze.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told us, “Every religion has its characteristic and the characteristic of Islam is modesty.” (al-Muwatta)

The point is, however, where does this modesty begin? It begins with the realization of our purpose in life. Thus, by keeping true to our purpose that Allah has laid out, “I have not created men or jinn except to worship Me alone” (Surah Dhaariat, verse 56), by letting our heart submit to our most perfect Rabb and by allowing shyness of Him to create a beautiful framework of ethos in our life, the rest of the limbs will, inshaAllah, follow suit.

Photo:  khyes