حياء
Ḥayāʾ
Topic
The Quran asks both men and women to guard their gaze and chastity and to dress modestly.
What it means
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts… and tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not display their adornment except what is apparent” (24:30–31). Among the signs of success are those who guard their chastity (23:5, 70:29). “The garment of piety, that is best” (7:26). The Prophet said that modesty is part of faith (Sahih al-Bukhari).
What the sources say
The commands are given to both sexes, and are read by scholars differently on what counts as “apparent”. The Quran also tells believers to dress well for prayer: “take your adornment at every place of prayer” (7:31).