Modesty And Decency In The 21st Century By Aisha Rufa’i Jega
Decency can be seen as a behaviour that confirms to acceptance of standards of morality and responsibility. On the other hand, modesty can be seen as propriety in dress, speech, or conduct.
The term modest fashion or modest dressing refers to a fashion trend in women for wearing less skin-revealing clothes, especially in a way that satisfies their spiritual and stylistic requirements for reasons of faith (religion) or personal preference.
The topic modesty and decency is something we can go on for hours and hours talking about. It’s a great concern in the world of today because it seems women in general are starting to forget the teachings of our religion. Modesty and decency is an essential quality we all have to adapt to, this is because it is a commandment from our Lord, Allah SWT. Modesty and decency is not limited to just our dressing but also our behaviours.
Decency actually speaks well of you as they say the first look a person gives you is the look he will remember you with for life! It speaks highly of you as it makes people give you high standards. It shows a reflection of who you really are including your religion, culture and background. Decency and modesty allows people to approach you in a beautiful and respectful manner.
The level of immorality (lack of decency and modesty) is very alarming. It is so unfortunate that the shy and modest ones are nowadays considered dumb, ugly and disorganized.
The lack of decency among female university students is mostly a result of peer pressure, they end up dressing immodestly to
blend in with their peers.
The topic of modesty and decency should be taught again to those who may have forgotten what it entails and should be taught afresh to those who don’t have prior knowledge of it.
In conclusion, modesty and decency are essential qualities we should give attention to at this point. Being modest isn’t something we achieve overnight. It’s a journey and process. We should all have this at the back of our minds “If you can’t pray with an outfit, then don’t wear it outside where non-mahrams can see you.
Dear sisters, there’s a great deal of beauty and pulchritude in decency and modesty. Try it today and you will thank me later. May Allah make it easier for us all. Ameen.
Aisha Rufa’i Jega, Level 300 Student of Mass Communication, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigerian (MAAUN), Kano.
