Raqif Makhdoomi
It is a hot topic at any given time: Should a woman dress herself in a way that completely covers her body, or should people change their thinking?
The really useless argument that is often put forward is that “Islam does not only make it obligatory for a woman to dress modestly, but also asks men to lower their gaze.” The wording of the argument may sound fine, but the way it is used cannot be justified. The people who put forward this argument often want to justify something that cannot be justified in any way. Be it through the prism of Islam, science or morality, the argument finds no place.
In Islam, both women and men have been asked to cover themselves. It is not only women who are required to be modest. For men, the obligation in Islam is also clear. While there is no strict rule requiring a man to cover every part of his body, he is required to remain modest and not cross the boundaries of discipline.
Some scholars have also expressed the view that a man should cover his chest. In principle, it is permissible for a man to show his chest or any part of his body that is not considered ‘Awrah, meaning the parts of the body that should be covered in Islam, even in the presence of women. Nonetheless, a Muslim should not do so without a need, as it may not be considered an act of noble conduct. It may also cause women to be tempted, so a man should exercise caution.
It should be kept in mind that although the chest is not considered part of a man’s ‘Awrah, uncovering it can still be considered inappropriate in certain interpretations and may be viewed as inconsistent with modest conduct.
While reading the above-mentioned point regarding the chest of a man, it should be understood that this is not my own opinion. I have come across such views on Islamic websites. It should therefore be clear that Islam does not exclusively place the responsibility of covering on women. A man is also under an obligation to conduct himself in a way that does not compromise modesty or go beyond the boundaries of discipline.
The Holy Quran has spoken about clothing. The Quran says:
“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal what should be concealed, and as a fine adornment, and the garment of righteousness, that is best.” (Al-A’raf 7:26)
There is a misconception that the Quran has left men out of the question of modesty and does not place any obligation on them. That is completely wrong. The Quran addresses both men and women.
Allah says in the Quran:
“O Prophet, enjoin believing men to cast down their looks and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is well aware of all what they do.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:30)
Those who accuse Islam of being tough on women while being very flexible towards men either have a particular purpose in putting such an idea forward or may not have sufficient knowledge of Islamic teachings.
Islam has made the rights and dignity of women a matter of responsibility for men as well. Islam asks men to respect women. It is therefore difficult to argue that Islam places all responsibility on women while completely ignoring men.
Had Islam been harsh on women alone, there would have been no command for men to lower their gaze. Likewise, the Quran explicitly mentions the share of women in inheritance. Islam has addressed the responsibilities and rights of both men and women.
Additionally, the Quran says:
“For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise, for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and great reward.” (Quran 33:35)
Had Islam completely removed men from the responsibility of modesty, the verses mentioned above would not have been present in the Quran. The responsibility exists on both sides. Both men and women are responsible for their own conduct.
There are people who do not subscribe to what the Quran mentions about modesty. But let us also take psychology and modern studies into consideration.
Research into physical attractiveness has examined the role of upper-body strength in how women perceive male attractiveness. A defined chest, broad shoulders and arms can influence perceptions of physical fitness and attractiveness.
Evolutionary psychology has also discussed the V-shaped torso, with broad shoulders and chest combined with a narrower waist, as a physical feature that can be associated with perceptions of fitness and health.
Some studies also suggest that women may prefer a solid and toned chest rather than an extremely muscular or bodybuilder-type physique. Other studies have examined attraction to features such as a hairy chest.
If physical features can influence attraction, it strengthens the argument that men too should remain conscious of modesty and their responsibility towards their conduct.
The same principle can be considered when discussing women and clothing.
Why do well-dressed women attract men?
Visual cues and signalling play a role in human attraction. Clothing can communicate presentation, confidence and attention to appearance.
The halo effect in psychology also suggests that people may attribute positive qualities to individuals who appear neat, well-groomed and well-dressed.
Clothing can also influence the way a person’s posture, body shape and overall appearance are perceived. These factors can contribute to physical attraction.
Human attraction also involves biological factors. Apocrine glands, for example, are involved in the production of body odours and chemical signals that can influence social and sexual interactions. These biological processes do not simply disappear because a person says, “My intentions are pure.”
After reading the article, there should be no excuse for blaming only a man for attraction or only a woman for attraction. Both men and women have responsibilities. Both have rules to follow, and neither can completely escape responsibility for modesty and self-discipline.
