Condemnation of Indecency in Light of the Qur'an and Hadith
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (Hafizahullah)❖ Condemnation of Indecency in Islam
Indecency (fahāshī)—which includes obscenity, nudity, and immoral behavior—is strongly condemned in Islam. The Qur'an and Hadith classify it as a major sin, as it leads to the destruction of both the individual and society. Indecency results in social corruption, moral decline, and invites the displeasure of Allah. Therefore, Islam has issued strict commandments to avoid it and has clarified its harmful consequences.
① Condemnation of Indecency in the Qur'an
1.1 Do Not Even Approach Indecency
Allah Almighty says:
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا ٱلزِّنَىٰٓ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَٰحِشَةًۭ وَسَآءَ سَبِيلًۭا
(Surah Al-Isra: 32)
"And do not approach adultery; indeed, it is indecency and an evil way."
This verse not only prohibits adultery but also all paths leading to it—such as obscene speech, immodest clothing, lack of proper covering, unnecessary interaction with non-mahrams, and viewing indecent content.
1.2 Satan Commands Indecency
Allah Almighty says:
إِنَّمَا يَأْمُرُكُم بِٱلسُّوٓءِ وَٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَأَن تَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 268)
"Indeed, Satan commands you to evil and indecency and to say about Allah that which you do not know."
This verse informs us that the promotion of indecency is the work of Satan. Those involved in spreading it become his agents in society.
1.3 Severe Punishment for Those Who Spread Indecency
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 indecency be spread among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter."
This is a stern warning for those who spread indecency through media, the internet, or other channels.
② Condemnation of Indecency in the Hadith
2.1 Modesty is Part of Faith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Modesty is a part of faith."
(Sahih Bukhari: 9)
This Hadith teaches that a person who adopts immodesty is, in fact, weakening his own faith.
2.2 Indecency Brings Misfortune
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"When indecency becomes widespread among a people, then diseases and plagues appear among them that did not exist among their predecessors."
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 4019)
This Hadith makes it clear that the result of widespread indecency is disease, affliction, and societal collapse.
2.3 The Most Despicable People
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"On the Day of Judgment, the worst position in the sight of Allah will be held by the one who discloses intimate matters with his wife to others."
(Sahih Muslim: 1437)
This Hadith is a strong admonition for those who disclose private matters or participate in spreading indecency.
2.4 When Modesty is Lost, Do As You Wish
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When you have no shame, then do whatever you want."
(Sahih Bukhari: 3484)
This means that when a person loses modesty, he is no longer restrained from committing any immoral act.
③ Ways to Avoid Indecency
Islam outlines several methods to protect oneself from indecency, which every Muslim should practice:
❖ Fear of Allah and Taqwa
Allah says:
إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ
(Surah Al-Hujurat: 13)
"Indeed, the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious among you."
❖ Guarding the Gaze
Allah commands:
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and protect their private parts."
(Surah An-Nur: 30)
❖ Choosing a Pure Environment
Avoid obscene content, immoral company, and indecent social media material.
❖ Facilitating Marriage
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Marriage is my Sunnah, and whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me."
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 1846)
❖ Fasting
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever cannot afford to marry should fast, for it restrains (his desires).”
(Sahih Bukhari: 5066)
❖ Remembrance of Allah and Recitation of Qur'an
These are powerful tools to help resist indecency and maintain purity.
Conclusion
According to the Qur'an and Hadith, indecency and immodesty are grave sins that lead to social and moral destruction. To protect one’s faith, it is essential to adopt modesty, lower the gaze, avoid indecent influences, and follow Allah’s commandments. Modesty is indeed the path to success and salvation.
May Allah protect us from all forms of indecency and grant us the ability to live a pure life. Ameen!
