Modesty for Men

As Muslims, we often spend so much time discussing and explaining the Muslim woman's unique way of dressing to others (and even to eachother) that it leaves the impression that women are responsible for controlling the desire and behaviors of men in society. Naturally, then, people want to know why men simply don't learn how to behave and stop blaming women for being beautiful, something which cannot be controlled anyway. Recently I received an e-mail from a reader asking for some clarification on these issues. I am grateful for the letter she sent me because it is an opportunity to review the responsibilities of the Muslim man with regards to his dress, behavior and interaction with women in society. In addition, it is a good introduction to discussing the virtues of hijab (veil) beyond its function in concealing the beauty of the female body.

In Islam, men and women both are responsible for controlling their desires and this is apparent in every aspect of the Islamic faith, beginning with the story of Adam and Eve (peace be upon them), the first man and woman on Earth, upon whom Allah (God) placed equal blame for the sins they committed in the Garden as described in the Qur'an, the holy book of Muslims. This is different from the Biblical accounts of Adam and Eve which assert that Eve is the one responsible for leading Adam towards sin and was cursed with the pain of menstruation and childbirth as her punishment and legacy for all of womankind to inherit as a reminder for her sins. It is very important that we understand the responsibility of Adam, peace be upon him, in this scenario in order to realize that Islam at its very foundation did not make a distinction between male and female when it comes to taking responsibilty for one's own shortcomings, mistakes and character flaws which are common to all human beings regardless of gender. Nor did Islam burden women with the legacy of Eve's sins as it is believed that all humans are born sin-free and cannot sin until they have matured and learned the difference between right and wrong. Take a look at the article Women In Islam Versus Women In The Judaeo-Christian Tradition, by Dr. Sherif Abdel-Azeem to learn more about Adam and Eve as explained by Islam.

Men and women both are commanded in the Qur'an to adhere to Islamic guidelines for dress and behavior: this includes modest dress for both as well as the requirement that un-related men and women do not meet together