Kareem was scrolling through Instagram when he paused at a heated discussion in the comments. A non-Muslim woman had asked: “If Islam values modesty so much, why do I only see rules for women? Where are the modesty rules for Muslim men?”
He’d been Muslim his whole life, and honestly? He couldn’t answer that question. Sure, he knew women had to wear hijab. But what about men? He wore jeans and t-shirts like everyone else. Was there actually an Islamic dress code he was supposed to follow?
And for the first time, he realized: maybe he’d been focusing so much on what his sisters and mother wore that he’d completely ignored his own obligations.
Maybe you’re like Kareem—aware that Islam emphasizes modesty but unclear about what that actually means beyond “women wear hijab.” Or maybe you’re a woman who’s tired of feeling like modesty is only her responsibility while men get a free pass. Perhaps you’re not Muslim at all, just curious about why Muslim women cover their hair and what the bigger picture of Islamic modesty really is.
Here’s what I discovered researching Islamic teachings from Quran, authentic hadiths, and classical scholars: modesty in Islam isn’t just about clothing. It’s a comprehensive approach to behavior, dress, and interactions that applies to both men and women—though the specific requirements differ based on biological and social realities.
This article breaks down what Islamic modesty means, the dress requirements for both genders, why they differ, and how to practice modesty in modern life without feeling suffocated.
QUICK ISLAMIC INFO BOX
What You’ll Learn:
- What modesty (haya) means beyond just clothing
- The awrah (parts to cover) for men vs. women
- Why Islamic modesty rules differ between genders
- How men’s modesty is often overlooked
- Practical guidance for modest living in 2025
Sources Referenced:
- Quran 24:30-31, 33:59 on lowering the gaze and modest dress
- Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim hadiths on clothing and modesty
- Classical scholars: Al-Nawawi (RH), Ibn Kathir (RH)
- Contemporary understanding of Islamic modesty
Read Time: 13 minutes
Modesty is More Than Just Clothes
Look, when most people hear “Islamic modesty,” they immediately think hijab. But that’s just scratching the surface.
The Arabic word for modesty is haya (حياء)—and it’s so much deeper than what you wear. Haya is a character trait that includes humility, shyness from wrongdoing, dignified behavior, and consciousness of Allah’s (SWT) presence.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Faith has over seventy branches, and modesty (haya) is a branch of faith.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 57)
Notice: modesty is part of faith itself, not just external appearance.
So what does haya look like practically?
Modesty in speech: Not using vulgar language, not gossiping, not speaking inappropriately with the opposite gender.
Modesty in behavior: Carrying yourself with dignity, not seeking attention, not acting flirtatiously or provocatively.
Modesty in gaze: Lowering your eyes when you see something you shouldn’t look at—this applies to both men and women.
Modesty in dress: Covering what Islam requires you to cover in a way that’s dignified and non-revealing.
Modesty in interactions: Maintaining appropriate boundaries between men and women who aren’t married or related.
All of this together creates what Islam calls modesty. And get this—Allah (SWT) addresses both men and women in the Quran about it.
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests.” (Quran 24:30-31)
قُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِینَ یَغُضُّوا۟ مِنۡ أَبۡصَـٰرِهِمۡ وَیَحۡفَظُوا۟ فُرُوجَهُمۡۚ ذَ ٰلِكَ أَزۡكَىٰ لَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِیرُۢ بِمَا یَصۡنَعُونَ
Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
[24:30]
Notice the order? Allah (SWT) commands the men first—lower your gaze, guard your modesty. Then He commands the women. Both genders have obligations. Both are responsible.
But somehow, many Muslim communities focus almost entirely on women’s hijab while completely ignoring men’s responsibilities. That’s not what Islam teaches.
What Men Must Cover: The Male Awrah
So what exactly is required for Muslim men?
In Islamic law, the concept of awrah (عورة) refers to the parts of the body that must be covered. For men, the awrah is much smaller than for women—but it still exists, and many Muslim men don’t even know what it is.
The minimum awrah for men according to the majority of scholars is: from the navel to the knee.
That means in front of other people (except your spouse), you must cover from your belly button down to your knees. Showing anything in that area is haram.
But here’s where many Muslims get it wrong: that’s the minimum. Islamic modesty for men goes beyond just technically covering your awrah.
Additional requirements for men’s clothing:
1. Pants/lower garments must be above the ankle.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whatever is below the ankles of the lower garment is in the Fire.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 77, Hadith 157)
He also said: “The lower garment of the believer should come to the mid-calf, but there is no sin on him if it comes between that point and the ankle. But whatever is lower than the ankle is in the Fire.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 32, Hadith 3573, authenticated)
Why? Dragging your clothes on the ground was a sign of arrogance in that time—and arrogance is one of the major sins in Islam. Even if you’re not doing it out of pride today, the Prophet (ﷺ) established this as an Islamic standard.
So those jeans dragging on the floor? Those super-long thobes sweeping the ground? Islamically problematic.
2. Clothing must be loose enough not to reveal the shape of the awrah.
Tight pants that show the shape of your private parts aren’t modest, even if they technically “cover” you. The clothing should be loose enough that the body’s shape in that area isn’t visible.
3. Men can’t wear silk or gold.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Gold and silk have been permitted for the females of my Ummah and forbidden for its males.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book 16, Hadith 1720, authenticated as sahih)
This is about not imitating women and not displaying excessive luxury.
4. Clothing shouldn’t resemble women’s clothing.
The Prophet (ﷺ) cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men (Sahih Bukhari). Part of Islamic modesty is maintaining distinct gender identities.
5. Clothing shouldn’t be immodest or attention-seeking.
Super-tight clothes, see-through shirts, clothing with vulgar messages, or styles deliberately meant to attract attention all contradict Islamic modesty.
So brothers—yes, you have a dress code too. It’s not just “cover navel to knee and you’re good.” You need to dress in a way that reflects Islamic dignity and humility.
What Women Must Cover: The Female Awrah
For women, the requirements are more extensive—but there’s clear wisdom behind it.
The female awrah when in the presence of non-mahram men (men she could potentially marry) is: the entire body except the face and hands.
This is the consensus of the vast majority of classical scholars based on Quranic verses and authentic hadiths.
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused.” (Quran 33:59)
یَـٰۤأَیُّهَا ٱلنَّبِیُّ قُل لِّأَزۡوَ ٰجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاۤءِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِینَ یُدۡنِینَ عَلَیۡهِنَّ مِن جَلَـٰبِیبِهِنَّۚ ذَ ٰلِكَ أَدۡنَىٰۤ أَن یُعۡرَفۡنَ فَلَا یُؤۡذَیۡنَۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورࣰا رَّحِیمࣰا
O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
[33:59]
The word used here for “outer garments” is jilbab—a loose outer covering. The purpose stated is clear: so they’ll be recognized as Muslim women and not harassed.
Allah (SWT) also says:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests.” (Quran 24:31)
وَقُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ یَغۡضُضۡنَ مِنۡ أَبۡصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَیَحۡفَظۡنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا یُبۡدِینَ زِینَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَاۖ وَلۡیَضۡرِبۡنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُیُوبِهِنَّۖ وَلَا یُبۡدِینَ زِینَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَاۤىِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَاۤءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَاۤىِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَاۤءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ إِخۡوَ ٰنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِیۤ إِخۡوَ ٰنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِیۤ أَخَوَ ٰتِهِنَّ أَوۡ نِسَاۤىِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَیۡمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِینَ غَیۡرِ أُو۟لِی ٱلۡإِرۡبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفۡلِ ٱلَّذِینَ لَمۡ یَظۡهَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ عَوۡرَ ٰتِ ٱلنِّسَاۤءِۖ وَلَا یَضۡرِبۡنَ بِأَرۡجُلِهِنَّ لِیُعۡلَمَ مَا یُخۡفِینَ مِن زِینَتِهِنَّۚ وَتُوبُوۤا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِیعًا أَیُّهَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ
And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.
[24:31]
That phrase about wrapping headcovers (khimar) over chests specifically addresses hair covering and ensuring the chest area is fully covered—not just the cleavage, but the entire chest and neck area.
Requirements for women’s Islamic dress:
1. Must cover everything except face and hands in the presence of non-mahram men. This includes the hair, neck, arms, legs, and body.
2. Must be loose and not form-fitting. Tight clothing that shows the body’s shape defeats the purpose of covering.
3. Must not be see-through or transparent. The clothing should be thick enough that what’s underneath isn’t visible.
4. Should not be attention-grabbing or ostentatious. Bright, flashy clothing that draws excessive attention contradicts the spirit of modesty.
5. Should not be perfumed when going out. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so they can smell her fragrance is an adulteress.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 34, Hadith 4166, authenticated)
6. Should not resemble men’s clothing.
What about the face and hands?
Some scholars opinion is that covering the face (niqab) is recommended but not obligatory. The Companions (RA) of the Prophet (ﷺ) saw women’s faces during his time, and he never mandated full face covering for all women.
Some scholars say it’s obligatory based on their interpretation of certain hadiths.
Why the Rules Differ Between Men and Women
This is the question non-Muslims always ask: “If Islam values equality, why are modesty rules different for men and women?”
Here’s the honest answer: Islam recognizes that men and women are biologically different in ways that affect attraction and social dynamics.
Biological reality: Men are generally more visually stimulated than women. Studies across cultures show men are more likely to be aroused by visual cues—this isn’t culture-specific, it’s biological. Women can be attracted to visual appearance too, but it’s typically not the primary trigger in the same way.
This is why Islam places more emphasis on women covering what visually attracts men (hair, body shape, etc.) and emphasizes men lowering their gaze rather than requiring women to cover their faces entirely.
Wisdom, not oppression: The different rules aren’t about women being inferior or men getting special privileges. They’re about recognizing reality and creating boundaries that protect both genders.
Ibn Kathir (RH) explained in his tafsir that these rules preserve dignity for everyone. Women aren’t objectified or reduced to physical appearance. Men aren’t constantly struggling with temptation. Society functions with appropriate professional and social interactions.
But here’s what many Muslims miss: just because women have more to cover doesn’t mean men’s responsibilities are lighter.
Men bear the first responsibility—lower your gaze, control yourself, dress modestly, don’t harass women. Women’s covering is complementary to that, not a substitute for men’s self-control.
Allah (SWT) addresses men first in Surah An-Nur for a reason.
The Male Modesty Crisis Nobody Talks About
Here’s what honestly frustrates me: Muslim communities obsess over sisters’ hijab while completely ignoring brothers’ violations of Islamic modesty.
You’ll see masjid lectures about “proper hijab” for women while brothers walk in wearing pants below their ankles (haram), super-tight jeans showing the shape of their awrah (haram), silk clothing (haram), or shirts so tight every muscle shows.
You’ll hear fathers and brothers policing their daughters’ and sisters’ clothing while they themselves don’t follow basic Islamic dress standards.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There are two types of people who will be punished in Hell and whom I have not seen: people having whips like the tails of an ox and they will be beating people with them, and women who will be dressed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait, with something on their heads that looks like the humps of camels, leaning to one side. They will never enter Paradise nor will they smell its fragrance.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 40, Hadith 89)
Notice he mentions both male oppressors and immodestly dressed women. Both are problems.
So brothers, you can’t demand your wife or sister wear hijab while you:
- Wear pants dragging on the floor
- Sport super-tight clothing that shows your body shape
- Lower your shirt neckline more than modest
- Stare at women (even if they’re not dressed modestly)
- Go shirtless in public places
That’s hypocrisy. Fix yourself first.
And sisters, you have every right to call out this double standard. If your brother criticizes your hijab while violating Islamic dress standards himself, he’s wrong—Islamically wrong.
Modesty is for everyone.
Lowering the Gaze: The Command Both Genders Ignore
Remember how Allah (SWT) commands both men and women to lower their gaze in Quran 24:30-31? Yeah, most Muslims conveniently forget that part.
For men:
You’re walking down the street and an attractive woman passes by. Your Islamic obligation is to immediately lower your gaze—don’t stare, don’t look her up and down, don’t turn around for a second look.
Ali (RA) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) told him: “O Ali, do not follow a glance with another, for you will be forgiven for the first, but not for the second.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 41, Hadith 4994, authenticated)
The first unintentional glance isn’t sin—your eyes naturally see what’s in front of you. But deliberately looking again? That’s where sin begins.
This applies to real life, to TV, to social media, to everywhere. If you’re scrolling Instagram staring at images of women in revealing clothing—you’re violating Islamic modesty even if you’re fully dressed yourself.
For women:
Yes, women are commanded to lower their gaze too. You’re not supposed to stare at attractive men, gawk at shirtless gym photos on social media, or deliberately look at what you shouldn’t.
The command is mutual. Both genders guard their gaze and their modesty.
Practical Modesty in Modern Life
Alright, so how do you actually practice Islamic modesty in 2025 without feeling like you’re from a different century?
For brothers:
- Get your pants hemmed above your ankles—yes, even your jeans
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that don’t show your body shape
- Install content blockers on your devices to help lower your gaze online
- Avoid situations where you’ll be alone with non-mahram women
- Don’t stare—practice actively looking away when you catch yourself
- Keep your awrah covered even at the gym, beach, or pool
- Lead by example before criticizing women’s hijab
For sisters:
- Wear hijab that fully covers hair, neck, and chest
- Choose loose clothing that doesn’t cling to your body shape
- Avoid heavy perfume when going out
- Lower your gaze from inappropriate content online
- Maintain appropriate distance in conversations with non-mahram men
- Don’t let cultural pressure dictate your Islam—cover what Allah (SWT) requires
- Dress modestly even when “no one’s watching”—Allah (SWT) always sees
For both:
- Remember modesty starts in the heart—if your intention is to show off or attract attention, even “modest” clothing can contradict haya
- Speak modestly—avoid flirtatious or suggestive language
- Behave modestly—carry yourself with dignity and self-respect
- Interact modestly—maintain professional, appropriate boundaries
What If You’re Struggling With This?
Listen, I get it. Living modestly in a hyper-sexualized culture isn’t easy.
Every ad, movie, social media post, and interaction pushes you toward immodesty. Your non-Muslim friends don’t understand. Even some Muslim friends might pressure you to “loosen up.”
But here’s what you need to remember: Allah (SWT) doesn’t burden you beyond your capacity, and He promises that following His guidance brings peace.
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer—We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward according to the best of what they used to do.” (Quran 16:97)
مَنۡ عَمِلَ صَـٰلِحࣰا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوۡ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنࣱ فَلَنُحۡیِیَنَّهُۥ حَیَوٰةࣰ طَیِّبَةࣰۖ وَلَنَجۡزِیَنَّهُمۡ أَجۡرَهُم بِأَحۡسَنِ مَا كَانُوا۟ یَعۡمَلُونَ
Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.
[16:97]
Modest living protects you. It protects your dignity, your relationships, your spiritual state, and your society.
Women who dress modestly aren’t oppressed—they’re liberated from being reduced to their physical appearance. Men who lower their gaze aren’t missing out—they’re protecting their hearts and marriages.
A sister once told me she resented hijab growing up. Then she spent a summer in immodest dress and realized how uncomfortable it was to be constantly objectified, stared at, hit on. When she went back to hijab, she said: “I finally understood. This isn’t restriction. This is protection.”
That’s the wisdom of Islamic modesty.
Your Next Steps
If you’re not following Islamic modesty standards:
Make tawbah and commit to improving. Start with one area—maybe lowering your gaze, or adjusting your clothing. Build gradually.
If you’re already modest but struggling:
Keep going. Ask Allah (SWT) to make it easier. Find friends who support and encourage Islamic modesty.
If you face family pressure against modesty:
Stand firm on your obligations to Allah (SWT). Be respectful but clear: this is about your relationship with your Creator, not their approval.
If you’re judging others’ modesty:
Stop. Focus on your own obligations. You’re not the modesty police. Advise gently if you must, but don’t be harsh or judgmental.
FAQ Section
Do I have to wear traditional cultural clothing to be modest?
No. Islamic modesty has clear principles, but it doesn’t mandate specific cultural styles. A Muslim woman can wear hijab with Western clothing (long skirts, loose pants, long sleeves) just as validly as traditional abayas. Same for men—modest jeans and shirts are fine.
What if my job requires immodest clothing?
If your job truly requires violating Islamic dress standards (like mandatory shorts for men above the knee, or uncovered hair for women), you need to seek alternative employment. Many jobs allow religious accommodation—advocate for your rights.
Can women show their hair to other women?
Yes. The awrah requirements only apply in the presence of non-mahram men. Women can uncover their hair around other women, mahram men (close relatives), and their husbands.
Is it haram for men to go shirtless at the beach or gym?
In front of other men, it’s permissible since the male awrah is navel to knee. But scholars discourage public shirtlessness unnecessarily, especially where women are present. Many modern scholars say keep your shirt on in mixed settings.
What if I live somewhere hot and covering is difficult?
Heat is not an excuse to violate Islamic dress requirements. Millions of Muslims in hot climates manage. Choose breathable, light-colored fabrics. Obedience to Allah (SWT) takes priority over comfort.
Do men have to cover their awrah even when sleeping alone?
When completely alone, the rules are relaxed—you can dress comfortably. The awrah requirements apply when others might see you. But maintaining modesty even in private develops good character.
Is makeup allowed with hijab?
Light, natural makeup that doesn’t attract attention is generally permissible. Heavy, dramatic makeup that defeats the purpose of hijab contradicts Islamic modesty. The goal is dignity, not drawing eyes to your face instead of your hair.
Conclusion
Remember Kareem from the beginning—the Muslim man who realized he’d never thought about his own modesty obligations?
After researching deeply, he understood something profound: Islamic modesty isn’t about oppressing women or giving men a free pass. It’s a complete system where both genders have responsibilities, and when both fulfill them, society becomes healthier, relationships become purer, and dignity is preserved for everyone.
He also realized he’d been violating Islamic modesty standards his whole life without even knowing it. His pants were too long. His gaze wasn’t lowered. His clothing was sometimes too tight. He’d been judging his sister’s hijab while ignoring his own obligations.
That’s what happens when Muslim communities focus exclusively on women’s hijab. Everyone forgets that modesty is comprehensive and mutual.
So yes—women should wear hijab. But men should lower their gaze, dress modestly, and conduct themselves with Islamic dignity too.
Yes—women should avoid tight, revealing clothing. But men should keep their pants above their ankles and avoid showing off their bodies.
Yes—women bear responsibility for their modesty. But men bear the first responsibility to control themselves and behave respectfully.
That’s what Islam actually teaches. Both genders, accountable to Allah (SWT), protecting each other’s dignity through mutual modesty.
And when we all fulfill our roles—brothers lowering their gaze, sisters wearing hijab, everyone dressing modestly and behaving with haya—we create the society Allah (SWT) intended: one built on respect, dignity, and consciousness of our Creator.
“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women… Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” (Quran 33:35)
إِنَّ ٱلۡمُسۡلِمِینَ وَٱلۡمُسۡلِمَـٰتِ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِینَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ وَٱلۡقَـٰنِتِینَ وَٱلۡقَـٰنِتَـٰتِ وَٱلصَّـٰدِقِینَ وَٱلصَّـٰدِقَـٰتِ وَٱلصَّـٰبِرِینَ وَٱلصَّـٰبِرَ ٰتِ وَٱلۡخَـٰشِعِینَ وَٱلۡخَـٰشِعَـٰتِ وَٱلۡمُتَصَدِّقِینَ وَٱلۡمُتَصَدِّقَـٰتِ وَٱلصَّـٰۤىِٕمِینَ وَٱلصَّـٰۤىِٕمَـٰتِ وَٱلۡحَـٰفِظِینَ فُرُوجَهُمۡ وَٱلۡحَـٰفِظَـٰتِ وَٱلذَّ ٰكِرِینَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِیرࣰا وَٱلذَّ ٰكِرَ ٰتِ أَعَدَّ ٱللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغۡفِرَةࣰ وَأَجۡرًا عَظِیمࣰا
Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.
[33:35]
Men and women, equally rewarded for modesty, equally accountable to Allah (SWT).
What’s been your biggest struggle with Islamic modesty? How do you balance following Islamic standards while living in modern society? Share your experience below—your story might help someone else who’s struggling with the same challenge.
May Allah (SWT) grant us true modesty—in our hearts, our dress, our behavior, and our interactions. May He protect us from immodesty and make us among those who guard their gaze and honor. May He make our modesty a source of dignity and a path to Paradise. Ameen.
This article is for educational purposes. For specific questions about your modesty situation or clothing doubts, consult qualified scholars at your local mosque or through reputable Islamic fatwa services.
