The Importance of Modesty in Clothing: Islamic Perspectives

Understanding the Obligation of Modesty in Islamic Clothing

THE OBLIGATION TO OBSERVE MODESTY IN CLOTHING

ALLĀH says:

"O children of Adam, WE have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment." {Al-A'rāf: Verse 26}

"O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts." {Al-A'rāf: Verse 27}

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said, “There are two groups among the people of Hellfire whom I did not see: a people who have whips like the tails of oxen with which they beat people, and women who will be naked although they are clothed, who incline to evil and seduce with it. Their heads will be like the humps of a camel, leaning to one side. They will not enter Paradise and they will not smell its fragrance, even though it can be detected from great distance.” {Muslim #2128}

Abu Salih reported: Abu Huraira( may ALLĀH be pleased with him) said, “Some women are clothed but naked, inclining to evil and seducing with it. They will not enter Paradise, nor smell its fragrance, even though it can be found from a distance of five hundred years of travel.” {l-Muwat‌t‌a’ #1694}

Shaykh Ibn Bāz (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) said: “The nudity of a woman in her dress is evidence of the anger of ALLĀH upon her. Therefore, when ALLĀH became angry at Adam and Hawaa, HE uncovered what was hidden in their private parts. So the angrier ALLĀH gets with the woman, the more she undresses, whereas the more pleased ALLĀH is with a woman, the more she covers (out of modesty).” {Majmoo’ al fatāwā of Ibn Baz || 2/110}