The Concept of Modesty (Ḥayā) in the Qur’ān and Ḥadīth and the Modern Trends: A Research Study

قرآن و حدیث کا تصورِحیا اور معاصر رجحانات کا مطالعہ

Abstract

According to the Qur’ān and Sunnah, ḥayāʾ (modesty) is a fundamental ethical and spiritual virtue that regulates individual conduct and promotes social morality. It encompasses modesty in speech, gaze, dress, behavior, and interpersonal interaction, and serves as a safeguard against conduct that conflicts with Islamic moral values. The Qur’ān establishes guidelines for both men and women in Sūrat al-Nūr and Sūrat al-Aḥzāb, while the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ identifies ḥayāʾ as a branch of faith, highlighting its religious and spiritual significance. Throughout Islamic civilization, modesty has contributed to the preservation of personal dignity, family integrity, and social harmony. However, contemporary cultural transformations, globalization, social media, and liberal notions of individual freedom and bodily expression have increasingly challenged traditional understandings of ḥayāʾ. This article examines the concept, significance, and ethical dimensions of ḥayāʾ in the light of the Qur’ān and Sunnah and critically explores the challenges posed to its practice in contemporary society. It argues that ḥayāʾ remains an essential Islamic virtue for sustaining individual morality, healthy social relations, and family values in the modern context.