Moral Education, Modesty in Dressing, Behaviour and Trust. – SS3 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Modesty in Islam is decent dressing and behaviour, including lowering one’s gaze, for both men and women.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what modesty in dressing and behaviour means in Islam;
2. state the Qur’anic teaching on lowering the gaze and guarding private parts;
3. define Taqwa and say how it affects a person’s behaviour;
4. explain Amanah (trust) and give examples;
5. describe the duties of a Muslim leader and the meaning of justice in leadership.

What is modesty in dressing and behaviour?

Modesty (Haya) is the habit of covering the body properly, guarding the private parts and behaving with self-respect.

• Modesty in dressing: wearing clothes that cover the parts of the body Islam requires to be covered.
• Modesty in behaviour: lowering the gaze and guarding one’s chastity.
• Who it applies to: both Muslim men and Muslim women.

Why does Islam stress modesty?

• Difference between the sexes: men and women are attracted by the exposure of the sensitive parts of the opposite sex.
• Emphasis on women’s dress: for this reason Islam asks a woman to cover almost all of her body.
• Protection: modesty guards a person from immoral acts and protects his or her dignity.

What are the rules of modest dressing for men and women?

Islam sets the parts of the body to be covered, and who may see them, for men and for women.

Dressing rules for a Muslim woman

• Parts to cover: the whole body except the face and the hands.
• Type of dress: it must not be tight or transparent.
• Exception: tight or transparent dress is allowed only when she is alone, with her husband, with close relatives or with other females.

Dressing rules for a Muslim man

• Part to cover: his nudity, which is the part between the navel and the knee.
• Exception: he may expose it only to his wife (or wives) and, where necessary, close relatives.

Rules of behaviour for both sexes

• Lower the gaze: do not stare or gaze intimately at a person of the opposite sex who is not a spouse or close relation.
• Guard modesty: avoid any act that leads to illegal sexual relations.
• Avoid nakedness: men and women should not be naked, even in privacy.

What does the Qur’an say about modesty in dressing and behaviour?

The Qur’an commands believing men and believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts (Surah An-Nur, 24:30-31).

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) …”

Lessons from the verses

• Same command: it is given to both men and women.
• Lowering the gaze: a person must not look at forbidden things.
• Guarding private parts: a person must keep away from illegal sexual acts.
• Benefit: it is purer for the believer.
• Warning: Allah is aware of everything people do.

What is Allah’s consciousness (Taqwa)?

Taqwa is consciousness of Allah, also called piety or fear of Allah.

• Qur’anic description: a person with Taqwa sincerely practises Islam both outwardly and inwardly.
• Character: his moral probity (honesty and good character) is not in doubt.

How does Taqwa affect behaviour?

• Modesty: the person dresses decently and lowers his or her gaze.
• Honesty: he or she keeps trust and avoids cheating.
• Fairness: he or she treats others justly, even in private.
• Improved attitude: Taqwa should improve the attitude and behaviour of the person who has it.

What is trust (Amanah)?

Amanah is anything entrusted to a person, which he must keep safe and return to its owner.

• Duty: a good Muslim must keep trust and must not betray it.
• Importance: trust is a very important part of man’s responsibility.

What are examples of Amanah?

• Position of authority: if one is the head of a place, those under him are in his trust. He must treat them well, because Allah will ask him how he treated them.
• Family: one’s wife and children are put in one’s care and must be taken care of.
• Money or property: if a teacher keeps money with a student, the student must not claim it is lost.

What does the Qur’an say about Amanah?

Allah says: “Verily, Allah commands you to render back the trusts to those entitled to them…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:58).

What are leadership and justice in Islam?

What is leadership?

Leadership is a form of guardianship over those under one’s care or supervision.

• Accountability: a leader is answerable to Allah for the responsibilities given to him.
• Welfare: he must care for the welfare of those under him.
• Best interest: he must do what is best for them.

What is justice?

Justice means the leader decides matters and leads on the basis of truth and facts.

• Fair share: no one is given what is not his due or denied his or her due.
• No abuse of office: the leader must not use his privileged position to misrule or commit injustice.
• Truth: he upholds the truth.
• No favouritism: he treats people alike, whatever their relationship to him.

What happens under an unjust leader?

• Loss of respect: an unjust leader cannot command the respect of his subjects.
• No peace: without respect, he cannot have peace.

What is the example of the Prophet?

• Best example: Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) is the best example for leaders to follow.
• Qualities: he led by example because he was just and responsible.
• Record: his leadership qualities are on record for all generations.

Evaluation

1. Who may see a woman’s body beyond her face and hands, according to this lesson?
2. What part of a man’s body is regarded as his nudity?
3. What does Taqwa mean?
4. Give two examples of Amanah (trust) from the lesson.
5. State two ways in which a just leader behaves.

Assignment

1. Explain how a Muslim man and a Muslim woman should show modesty in dressing and behaviour.
2. Explain why an unjust leader cannot have peace.