Let's Talk About Men's Responsibilities and Modesty Too
Assalamu alaikum everyone. It's early in the morning and I really needed to get this off my chest, so I'm sharing it here. We often discuss women's awrah, their duties, and the challenges they face, but we sometimes overlook that men have similar considerations in Islam! Recently, I was thinking about how modesty applies to men as well. Islam doesn't oppress or discriminate; it simply provides different guidelines for each gender. Just as women are instructed to cover up, men are also encouraged to dress modestly. I believe hijab and modesty are meant to reduce unnecessary attraction. If men are aware that their bodies can be appealing to women-something that has become more highlighted lately-shouldn't they also choose loose clothing instead of showing off muscles or wearing tight outfits just because it's technically not awrah? I recall a hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned covering the shoulder during prayer, and I wonder if that principle extends to daily life too. And if some scholars consider a woman's voice part of her awrah, isn't it also questionable for men to deliberately change their voice to attract attention? In today's world, things have become more balanced in some ways. Just as women are often objectified, men are too. If I, as a woman, can wear full modest attire, including niqab, even in extreme heat purely for Allah's sake, shouldn't men who emphasize religious observance also avoid exposing themselves at beaches or wearing revealing swimwear when they know they look attractive? There's no hadith banning colors, but I know if I wear a fancy, decorated abaya, it might draw looks. The goal is to blend in, not stand out, so I dress simply for Allah's pleasure, even if it means setting aside my love for fashion. So isn't it concerning when Muslim men dress to impress and enjoy the attention just because certain body parts aren't classified as awrah? I'm not saying it's a sin-Allah knows best-but it doesn't sit right with me. I'm also tired of how discussions always focus on women when men carry major responsibilities in Islam. When will we talk about how men shouldn't ask their wives for money or pressure them to work outside? Or how men should help at home, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did? We quote hadith about women's obedience but forget those about men's duty to provide. Surah An-Nisa 4:34 highlights that men are maintainers of women due to what they spend. If a man relies on his wife for basic expenses, is he truly fulfilling that role? Allah knows best, and may He guide us all. P.S. I'm currently exploring marriage prospects, and it's frustrating to see how some men expect their wives to manage everything-caring for his parents, raising kids, working full-time, maintaining a perfect appearance, and more-while they overlook their own Islamic duties. As a woman, I only ask for what Islam specifies, and I'm willing to adapt if there's clear evidence it's required, just as I wear hijab for Allah despite personal preferences. Thanks for reading. May Allah improve our Ummah.