Moral Education, Modesty In Dressing, Behaviour And Trust. SS3 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

MODESTY IN DRESSING AND BEHAVIOUR

The difference in the sexuality and attraction of males and females to the exposure of sensitive and sexually arousing parts of the body of the opposite sex accounts for the emphasis that Islam places on covering almost all parts of a female body. A woman, except when she is with her husband or close relation is expected to cover her body except the face and the hands. 

She is not to wear any dress that is tight or transparent except when she is alone, with her close relatives, her Husband or other females. Men too must not expose their nudity except when they are with their wives or close relatives. Men’s nudity is what lies between their navel and knee.

For men and women, even if they are in privacy, they should not be naked. Both men and women are expected to be modest in dressing and behaviour by lowering their gaze and guarding their modesty. They should not stare at or intimately gaze at people of the opposite sex who are not their spouse or close relation.

QURANIC VERSES ON MODESTY IN DRESSING AND BEHAVIOUR

Allah says: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts etc.) that is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All aware of what they do. 

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexuality) …

ALLAH’S CONSCIOUSNESS (TAQWA)

Taqwa is often translated to mean God’s consciousness. It also means piety or fear of Allah. The Glorious Qur’an describes a person who is conscious of Allah as one who sincerely practises Islam both outwardly and inwardly. It is he whose moral probity is not in doubt.

Taqwa should improve the attitude and behaviour of the person who possesses it.

TRUST (AMANAH)

Trust (Amanah) is a very important aspect of man’s responsibility. A good Muslim must keep trust not betray it. If one is the head of a place, those under him are to put in his trust, he should therefore treat them well for Allah shall ask how he has treated them. 

The same applies to one’s wife and children, they are put in one’s care and must be taken care of. If a teacher keeps some money in the care of a student, the student should not say that the money is lost, it is amanah.

Allah says: “Verily, Allah commands you to render back the trusts to those entitled to them…” 

LEADERSHIP, FELLOWSHIP AND JUSTICE

Leadership is a form of guardianship over those under one’s care or supervision. A leader has been given some responsibilities to which he is accountable to Allah. Leadership therefore imposes on one who cares for the welfare of those under one and doing what is best for them.

Justice on the other hand implies that matters are decided by the leader and he leads on the basis of truth and facts. No one is to be given what is not his due or denied of his/her due. The leader should not abuse his privileged position to misrule or commit injustice against those under his care. A leader should uphold the truth and shun favouritism. An unjust leader cannot command the required respect from the subjects and therefore cannot have peace.

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) is the best example worthy of emulation, he led by example because he was just and responsible. His leadership qualities are on record for all generations.