A reflection on Surah Al-A'raf 7:26 - how the 'clothing of righteousness' describes a modesty that begins in the heart, not only in dress.
Hayaa is one of the qualities we hope to see grow quietly in our students at Darus Saulieghien Quraan Academy, not as a rule imposed from outside, but as a character trait that shapes how a person speaks, dresses, and carries themselves.
Two Kinds of Clothing
Allah (SWT) says:
قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَٰرِى سَوْءَٰتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ
"We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best." (Surah Al-A'raf 7:26)
Physical covering matters, but Allah (SWT) points to something deeper still: a modesty of the heart that shapes everything else.
A Trait That Colours Every Action
The Prophet (SAW) said: "Every religion has its distinct characteristic, and the characteristic of Islam is hayaa." (Sunan Ibn Majah 4181) Modesty, understood this way, is not timidity. It is dignity, an inner awareness that Allah (SWT) sees, even when no one else does.
Modesty as Quiet Confidence
We encourage our older students to see hayaa as a form of independence from needing constant outward approval. A student secure in their own modesty, in speech, dress, and behaviour, carries a quiet confidence that does not depend on being watched.
May Allah (SWT) beautify our students with true hayaa, and let it guide their choices even when no one else is watching. Ameen.