Why is nakedness a sin?

- If it is only because it leads people to lust, so many beautiful women in the world walk around in bikinis, which is more seductive than a normal naked woman. Is there a logical explanation of it?
- Is it regarded as shameful in the West in America, Russia, Greece, England, France?

Dear Brother / Sister,

- First of all, the real reason for a religious decree is Allah’s command. If Allah commands something, it is obligatory and good to do it. If He forbids something, it is haram and bad to do it. This is the main source of reference for all religious decrees.

As for wisdom, it is a reason of secondary importance.

- The most important thing for women is to be reliable and trustworthy in the eyes of their husbands. Indecent dressing can undermine this trustworthiness. It can arouse the man’s jealousy and then lead to suspicion. It is possible to guess what it means by looking at today’s incidents of “violence and murder against women”.

- It is scientifically proven that humans have a strong sense of lust. The foremost duty of religions is: “to close the doors of mischief to people” according to the rule of “prevention of things leading to sin”.

Indecent dressing means that these social measures are ignored.

“In the result, they both ate of the tree, and so their nakedness appeared to them: they began to sew together, for their covering, leaves from the Garden: thus did Adam disobey his Lord, and allow himself to be seduced.” (Taha, 20/121)

As it is stated in the verse above, When the Prophet Adam and Eve (Hawwa) ate from the forbidden tree, they realized that their private parts were exposed. “They began to sew together, for their covering, leaves from the Garden.” This shows that covering is a natural feeling that is inherent in the nature of human beings.

It is a requirement of their human nature that both men and women act according to this natural feeling.

- Another thing that is understood from this verse is the existence of a sense of haya (feeling ashamed) inherent in the nature of human beings.

“Feeling of shame is (comes) from belief.” (Bukhari, Iman, 16),  

“Do whatever you want if you do not feel ashamed.” (Bukhari, Anbiya, 54; Abu Dawud, Adab, 6)

As it is expressed in the hadiths above, the sense of haya in human beings is a very strong emotion in terms of both humanity and belief.

So, covering oneself is an outward manifestation of this sense of haya. Unnatural dressing is an inhuman obsession that erodes the sense of haya.

- There is a concept called “ihram” during hajj. Ihram actually means that certain things are rendered haram and prohibited during the hajj season. Those prohibitions are actually a special test of taqwa during a special period of time. In this process, the hajjis forbid themselves some of the halal things prescribed by Islam in order to show more taqwa and more respect for Allah. However, there is also a symbolic form of “ihram=prohibiting” that is based on this intention: To be wrapped in a piece of certain cloth.

- Similarly, the things that Allah wants people to do are shaped within the framework of commands and prohibitions. It is called “Taqwa”. However, there is a symbolic form of Taqwa, which is the special covering for men and women. That is to say, being covered is a symbolic manifestation of “taqwa”, the fundamental basis of worshipping. Those who cover themselves show that they have entered the form of “taqwa”, which expresses respect and love for Allah.

“O ye Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness,- that is the best. Such are among the Signs of Allah, that they may receive admonition.” (A’raf, 7/26)

The close relationship between taqwa and covering is indicated in the verse above.  

- An important point is this: Allah could have created a natural hide for humans as He did for animals. It would be easier in a way. However, Allah created man with bare skin and created the raw materials for special clothes and ordered him to weave and wear clothes. There must definitely be a reason for it. It is this: Man is the caliph (vicegerent) on the earth. Wearing uniforms appropriate to the position of caliphate complies with the concept of “honorable man”.

So, the fact that men and women wear artificial uniforms under the name of hijab (being covered) - unlike animals - is more appropriate to their position of caliphate and complies more with their human dignity.

- The peace and tranquility of the family is based on mutual love and respect. Therefore, every woman wants to look beautiful in the presence of her husband.

However, it is also a fact that many women can look ugly in comparison to the beauty of other women.

Indecent dressing is a factor that makes husbands see some women more beautiful than their wives. It means dynamiting the family from within. Therefore, the nature of every woman wants to cover herself and not seem ugly compared to other women.

It is possible to make more explanations….

Questions on Islam