Condemnation of Immodesty in Light of the Qur'an and Hadith
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (Hafizahullah)❖ Modesty and the Condemnation of Immodesty in Islam
In Islam, modesty (ḥayāʾ) is regarded as a part of faith, while immodesty (faḥshāʾ) is described as a source of tribulation, sin, and the displeasure of Allah. The Qur'an and Hadith strongly condemn all forms of immodesty and provide clear guidance on how to avoid it.
① Condemnation of Immodesty in the Qur'an
1.1 Do Not Even Approach Immodesty
Allah Almighty says:
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا ٱلزِّنَىٰٓ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَٰحِشَةً وَسَآءَ سَبِيلًا
(Surah Al-Isra: 32)
"And do not approach adultery; indeed, it is immodesty and an evil way."
This verse not only prohibits adultery but also forbids approaching any means that lead to it—such as indecent speech, unlawful interactions with non-mahrams, and the spread of nudity and vulgarity.
1.2 Satan Commands Immodesty
Allah Almighty says:
إِنَّمَا يَأْمُرُكُم بِٱلسُّوٓءِ وَٱلْفَحْشَآءِ
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 268)
"Indeed, Satan commands you to evil and immodesty."
This verse makes it clear that spreading immodesty is a satanic act. Those who engage in it are essentially carrying out the agenda of Satan.
1.3 Severe Punishment for Those Who Promote Immodesty
Allah Almighty says:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ ٱلْفَٰحِشَةُ فِى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْءَاخِرَةِ
(Surah An-Nur: 19)
"Indeed, those who love that immodesty should spread among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter."
This verse serves as a grave warning for those who promote vulgarity—whether through immoral content, corrupt media, or other channels.
② Condemnation of Immodesty in the Hadith
2.1 Modesty is a Part of Faith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Modesty is a part of faith."
(Sahih Bukhari: 9)
This indicates that a lack of modesty weakens one’s faith. Immodesty is, in fact, a sign of spiritual decay.
2.2 Immodesty Leads to Moral Ruin
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When you lose modesty, then do whatever you wish."
(Sahih Bukhari: 3484)
This Hadith implies that once modesty is lost, a person no longer hesitates in committing any immoral act, leading to complete moral collapse.
2.3 Immodesty Leads to Destruction
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When immodesty becomes widespread in a people, and they begin to commit it openly, then diseases and plagues will spread among them which were not known to those before them."
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 4019)
This Hadith shows that immodesty results in not only spiritual but also physical and societal destruction.
2.4 The Worst of People
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Among the worst of people in the sight of Allah on the Day of Judgment will be the one who discloses intimate matters with his wife."
(Sahih Muslim: 1437)
This Hadith condemns another form of immodesty—publicizing private matters and violating the sanctity of personal relationships.
③ Ways to Protect Oneself from Immodesty
Islam outlines several practical measures to protect against immodesty:
❖ Fear of Allah (Taqwa):
Always remember that Allah is watching, and we will be held accountable for our actions.
❖ Guarding the Eyes:
Allah commands:
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them."
(Surah An-Nur: 30)
❖ Adopting a Pure Environment:
Avoid exposure to immoral content, bad company, and indecent conversations.
❖ Facilitating Marriage:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever among you is able to marry should marry."
(Sahih Bukhari: 5065)
❖ Fasting:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever cannot afford marriage should fast, for it restrains desires."
(Sahih Bukhari: 5066)
❖ Remembrance of Allah:
Regular recitation of the Qur'an, making du‘ā’, and engaging in dhikr are excellent tools to guard against immodesty.
Conclusion
In light of the Qur'an and Hadith, immodesty is a grave sin that can destroy a person’s spiritual, social, and moral life. To protect oneself, it is essential to strengthen faith, follow divine commands, and adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Adopting modesty and staying away from immodesty is the true path to success.
May Allah grant us the ability to live with modesty and avoid all forms of indecency. Ameen!
