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Question 5613: In regards to Islamic modesty, we are told that men as well as women have obligations, and this usually includes the covering from the navel to the knees. However, in my country, men's torso (shoulders and stomach) are often subject to objectification by the media. This often has very negative effects. For instance, my own brother is very stressed thinking that he should have a perfect "six pack" (referring to toned abdominal muscles) and he often doesn't eat correctly because he fears he is fat. What can I tell my brother and my own sons about male modesty besides what is commonly known. There is not much information on this subject because there is so much focus on women. However I am noticing that more and more in the western world, men's physical appearance is coming under the same scrutinization. Thank you for your time, Assalaamu alaikum, Sister K
As-Salamu `alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. We commend your keenness on getting your self well-acquainted with Islam and its teachings, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake. The absolute minimum attire for the validity of salah in case of males is to cover the body from navel to knee (that is, covering the `awrah). Prayer is not considered valid without it unless a person has no choice because of circumstances beyond his control or means. The fact that this is the minimum requirement for the validity of Prayer, however, does not mean that one is allowed to come out to the mosque wearing shorts or wearing anything less than the appropriate attire that is mandated by the specific standards of the society he is living in. For we are told in the Quran, O Children of Adan! Wear your adornments at every place of worship [i.e., wear proper and decent attire], and eat and drink, but not excessively. For Allah loves not the excessive. (Al-A`raf: 31). The Shari`ah has left the definition of appropriate attire as undefined in order to allow for variations due to change of norms and customs in each society. Since Islam is a universal religion applicable for all times, we cannot impose the appropriate attire of one society on another so long as there is no breach of a fundamental principle of Shariah. For it is quite possible that the proper attire in a particular society may involve covering the whole body from head to toe including the head and shoulders, while in another society head gear may not form part of decent attire. It is for this reason that Imam Shatibi said that the issue of covering the head in Prayer for males is left to the norms and customs of a society, for it may be considered as part of a gentlemans attire in one society, while it may not be the case in another. So it would be recommended in the former case, while it is not so in case of the latter. In conclusion, we are to dress appropriately while praying according to our circumstances and means. When one is praying alone at home, he is excused if he dresses only from the navel to the knee. But when going to mosque or appearing in social gatherings, we should dress appropriately according to the best standards of the society we are living in. If you are still in need of more information, don't hesitate to contact us. Do keep in touch. May Allah guide us all to the straight path! Wassalam and Allah Almighty knows best. (Source: IslamiCity) Classified in Awrah for Men >
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