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O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it is more likely that they will be recognized ˹as virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Quran 33:59
How to Dress Modestly
Guide for Men and Women
Modest clothing in Islam is more than just fabric – it's a reflection of faith, character, and respect for oneself and others. Islam emphasises modesty (ḥayāʾ) as a core principle of behaviour, deeply rooted in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the Islamic dress code for both Muslim men and women.
📖 What Is Modesty in Islam?
In Islam, modesty is a comprehensive value that includes:
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Dress
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Speech
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Gaze
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Behavior
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Modesty is part of faith."
— Sahih Muslim 36
Allah commands both men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty:
“ ˹O Prophet!˺ Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women, those ˹bondwomen˺ in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness. Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful.”
— Surah An-Nur 24:30–31
👕 Islamic Dress Code for Men
Islamic modesty for men involves:
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Covering from the navel to knees (awrah) in public
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Wearing loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing
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Avoiding silk and gold (forbidden for men)
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Avoiding clothing that resembles women or promotes arrogance
“These two [gold and silk] are forbidden for the males of my ummah and permissible for its females.”
— Sunan Abu Dawood 4057
🧕 Islamic Modesty and Dress for Women
🔹 What Is Hijab in Islam?
Hijab refers to both modest clothing and conduct. According to most scholars, a woman’s awrah (area to cover) includes the entire body (there is a difference of opinion on wether the face and hands should be covered too) in the presence of non-mahram men.
✅ Conditions of the Hijab (Islamic Requirements)
The majority of scholars agree the Islamic hijab must be:
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Covering the entire body
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Non-transparent
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Loose (not form-fitting)
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Not resembling men’s clothing
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Free from perfume or excessive adornment
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Not worn for attention
Is the Face Veil Obligatory?
This is one of the most discussed issues in Islamic modesty:
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Hijab (covering the body, hair, and sometimes neck) is obligatory by consensus.
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Niqab (face veil) is recommended or obligatory depending on the scholar or school of thought.
Scholarly Opinions:
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Hanbali School: Niqab is obligatory
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Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanafi Schools: Niqab is recommended, not obligatory
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In times of fitnah (temptation), niqab is obligatory or strongly advised
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🌍 Modesty Beyond Clothing in Islam
The Islamic concept of modesty also includes:
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Lowering the gaze
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Avoiding flirtatious or loud behaviour
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Wearing perfume in public for women
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Respecting gender boundaries and segregation
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Speaking with dignity
“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness – that is best.”
— Surah Al-A'raf 7:26
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