Lowering the Gaze, Guarding Dignity: Lessons from Surah An-Nūr

Occasion for reflecting on this Ayah: 21^st of Tir / 12^th July: Day of Modesty and Hijab

Introduction

The 21^st of Tir / 12^th July is observed as the Day of Modesty and Hijab, commemorating the tragic attack on the Goharshad Mosque and the killing of worshippers during the rule of Reza Shah. On this occasion, it is valuable to reflect upon two key verses of the Holy Qur’an that present Islam’s balanced guidance on modesty, dignity, and moral responsibility:

قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ذَلِكَ أَزْكَى لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ ﴿٣٠﴾ وَقُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ … ﴿٣١﴾

“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, guard their chastity, and not display their adornment except what ordinarily appears thereof, and to draw their head coverings over their bosoms …” Surah An-Nūr (24:30–31)

Educational messages of these verses for teenagers and Youth

1. Modesty Begins with the Eyes

True modesty starts by controlling what we choose to look at, both in real life and online.

Practical Challenge: Spend one week avoiding any online content that weakens your sense of modesty or respect for others.

2. Modesty Is for Both Boys and Girls

The Qur’an first addresses believing men and then believing women, reminding us that modesty is a shared responsibility for everyone.

Practical Challenge: This week, focus on improving your own behaviour rather than expecting others to change first.

3. Short-Term Effort, Long-Term Benefit

Living with modesty may sometimes feel difficult, but Allah tells us that it is purer and ultimately better for us.

Practical Challenge: When modesty feels challenging, remind yourself that lasting rewards are worth temporary discomfort.

4. Remember That Allah Always Sees You

True modesty is shown not only in public but also when no one else is watching, because Allah is fully aware of everything we do.

Practical Challenge: Before making a private choice this week, ask yourself, “Would I be pleased to make this choice knowing that Allah sees me?”

5. Stay Firm Despite Peer Pressure

Hijab is a clear command of the Qur’an. Do not let social pressure or changing fashions weaken your commitment to Allah’s guidance.

Practical Challenge: Choose one Qur’anic value to stand by this week, even if it is not popular among your friends.

6. Inner Modesty and Outer Hijab Go Together

A pure heart and proper outward modesty complement one another. Neither one replaces the other; together they help us grow closer to Allah.

Practical Challenge: This week, improve one aspect of your inner character and one aspect of your outward behaviour as acts of worship.

7. Self-Control is Real Strength

Resisting harmful desires requires courage and develops strong character.

Practical Challenge: Whenever you feel tempted by inappropriate content, immediately switch to a beneficial activity.

8. Your Digital Choices Matter

Lowering the gaze also applies to social media, streaming platforms, and mobile phones.

Practical Challenge: Review your social media feed and unfollow pages that encourage immodesty or unhealthy comparisons.

Educational messages of these verses for parents

1. Explain the Outcomes of Hijab and Modesty

Young people are more committed when they understand the outcomes of committing to the Islamic teachings.

Practical Challenge: Read these verses together and discuss one practical outcome as a family.

2. Take Responsibility for Your Children’s Modesty

Parents have a duty to nurture both modesty and respect for hijab in their children’s lives with care, wisdom, and consistency.

Practical Challenge: This week, have a positive conversation with your child about why modesty and hijab are valuable in Islam.

3. Be the Example You Want Them to Follow

Children learn most from what they see. When parents practise both inner modesty and proper hijab, their example speaks louder than words.

Practical Challenge: Reflect on your own behaviour and appearance this week, and make one improvement that your children can learn from.

4. Choose Good Company for Your Family

Good friends and positive role models help children appreciate both inner modesty and outward hijab, while negative influences can weaken these values.

Practical Challenge: Encourage your family to spend more time with people who inspire strong Islamic character and modest living.

Educational messages of these verses for imams and teachers

1. Explain the Wisdom Behind Modesty and Hijab

Help people understand that modesty and hijab are not only acts of worship but also protect human dignity, healthy relationships, and strong communities.

Practical Challenge: In your next sermon or lesson, explain one rational benefit of modesty and hijab alongside the Qur’anic evidence.

2. Qur’an Addresses Men First

Teach that why the Qur’an first commands believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity.

Practical Challenge: Encourage your audience to reflect on their own responsibilities before focusing on the responsibilities of others.

3. Discuss Modern Challenges to Modesty

Help your audience recognise today’s forms of immodesty – both online and offline – and explain their spiritual, moral, family, and social consequences.

Practical Challenge: Ask your audience to identify one habit that weakens modesty and replace it with one that strengthens their relationship with Allah.

4. Present Modesty as a Universal Value

Explain that modesty protects human dignity and benefits both men and women.

Practical Challenge: Include one practical example of modesty in your next lesson or sermon.

5. Explain Why Inner and Outer Modesty Must Go Together

Help your audience understand that inner modesty without proper hijab, and outward hijab without sincere modesty, both leave important Islamic values incomplete and can harm individuals, families, and society.

Practical Challenge: Invite your audience to reflect on one way they can strengthen both their inner character and their outward conduct this week.