Modesty is an important concept in Islam that applies to both men and women. It is a behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency, and it defines the boundaries with respect to decency that is set for every Muslim in terms of attire, speech, actions, and behavior. Modesty is a quality inherent in girls and boys, a certain type of modesty that is natural in human beings. It manifests itself, for instance, in a natural human urge to cover one’s private parts. The concept of modesty in Islam is holistic and applies to both the inner and outer aspects of a persons life.

In Islam, men and women share responsibility in upholding modesty and controlling their desires in society. While many people think that there is excessive emphasis on modesty for women, God’s command for men to maintain modesty precedes the one for women in the Quran. Muslim women are enjoined to wear the hijab primarily to preserve their modesty, but modesty encompasses far more than the clothes one wears. It includes being mindful of God at all times, avoiding anything considered to be distasteful or abominable, and exhibiting modest behaviors, manners, and speech.

Islam is a religion of moderation and balance, and it does not expect women alone to uphold society’s morality and dignity. Rather, Islam asks men and women to strive mutually to create a healthy social environment of practical values and morality. The attribute that protects from the act that is disliked in the sight of Allah Almighty and His creation is called ‘modesty’ . Therefore, modesty is an attitude of humility and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior.