Balancing Beauty and Modesty: A Look at the Concept of Zeenah in Islam
Allah (SWT) is the Creator. He created everything out of nothing and this is a quality that Allah (SWT) alone possesses. He is Al-Khaliq, The Creator. A key attribute of Allah’s (SWT) creations is their beauty. All of His designs have an innate beauty.
At the same time, Allah (SWT) expects His creations to remain humble. Modesty is a highly regarded quality. It is the most beloved trait of a believer since everything we have is due to Allah (SWT) This is why we must be thankful to our Lord (SWT) at all times.
So, while beauty is inherent in His creations, Allah (SWT) requires us to remain modest. This seemingly dichotomous state of affairs is not inconsistent with the spirit of Islam. The tenets of Islam are in harmony with the laws of nature, including human nature.
Allah (SWT) knows His creations better than anyone. There is a balance in everything He has created. Such a balance exists between adorning ourselves, highlighting our beauty, and being modest and subservient to Allah All-Mighty (SWT).
The Beauty of Allah’s (SWT) Creations
Zeenah, or beauty, is an important concept in Islam. Allah’s (SWT) creations are beautiful as they are the product of the Divine Will. Nature and all that is in it, the heavens, the Earth, and all living things, have been made by Allah (SWT) with unparalleled perfection.
Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran:
“Who made all things He created excellent; and first fashioned man from clay,”
[32:7]
The above verse mentions the beauty and perfection embodied in the creation of man. Similarly, elsewhere in the Holy Quran, references are given to other creations, like the day and the night, the sun, the moon, and the stars, and how these are a source of balance and life.
The beginning verses of Surah Fussilat, for instance, describe the creation of the universe in great detail. Beauty, on its own, is not condemned in Islam, especially when we consider how Allah (SWT) is the source of ultimate beauty.
Beauty and Islam-Striking a Balance
Beautifying oneself is permissible under certain conditions. This is especially relevant for women, as they are the key demographic in this regard. Men also seek to make themselves appear more appealing; however, the association of beauty and adornment with women is much more ubiquitous. In nearly every culture around the world, women are more inclined towards beauty as compared to men.
Zeenah, or adornment, is a part of human nature. Women like to adorn themselves, while men like to view their adornment. But adornment must be such that it is consistent with Allah’s (SWT) directives. Here are ways in which zeenah or adornment can be incorporated without going against our faith:
Prioritizing Modesty
Any zeenah or beautification must be done with the correct intentions. Pride is among the characteristics that Allah (SWT) dislikes the most in His creations. It is an attribute that is suited only for Allah (SWT) Himself. Additionally, it was pride that drove satan to defy Allah (SWT).
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said:
“He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise. A person (amongst his hearers) said: Verily a person loves that his dress should be fine, and his shoes should be fine. He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: Verily, Allah is Graceful and He loves Grace. Pride is disdaining the truth (out of self-conceit) and contempt for the people.”
[Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 171]
This tradition makes it clear that wearing a nice dress or shoes or any other form of adornment is not forbidden. But what is strictly prohibited is the feeling of superiority that may come with excessive adornment.
Modesty is the true adornment of a believer. Being a Muslim means, first and foremost, being subservient to Allah (SWT). A lack of humility takes us away from Islam. Modesty is not just about our outward appearance; it is the way we move, walk, sit, talk, and carry ourselves in the world.
Men and women both are prohibited from talking or laughing too loudly. Women are also not allowed to wear any adornment that may attract attention, like wearing heavily scented perfume or noisy jewelry. Ostentatious displays of beauty and adornment do not align with Islam. We have the life of the Holy Prophet (SAW), his blessed companions (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), and beloved wives (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) as the supreme example of how to live a model life.
Being Thankful to Allah (SWT)
This is again related to modesty. We must be grateful to Allah (SWT) for everything we have because He is the source of all that is good. Being proud of our beauty or the beautiful things we own is futile since Allah (SWT) can take it away from us at any time or give it to someone at any time.
Our bodies belong to Allah (SWT) we are simply entrusted with the duty to protect them. if Allah (SWT) wills, our health, wealth, or characteristics that can count as adornment can be taken away from us in the blink of an eye.
Allah’s (SWT) mercy knows no bounds. This is why He provides material possessions and worldly beauty to even those who have gone astray. We must realize that all we have is a test for us. Thanking Allah (SWT) and being humble is the only way to show our gratitude to our Creator (SWT).
Refraining from Adornment that is Prohibited
Allah (SWT) has set certain limitations for us. We are prohibited from making any permanent or invasive changes to our appearance, like plastic surgery or getting tattoos. Then, some limitations are gender specific. Women are allowed to dress like men and vice versa. Men are also not allowed to wear silk or gold, while no such prohibition is present for women. There is immense wisdom behind these prohibitions and our job as believers is to follow Allah’s (SWT) commands without questioning them.
Modesty is the Best Adornment
Adornment is not condemned; however, any kind of beautification must fall within the bounds of Islam. The quest for beauty should not be such that it defies the limitations defined by Allah (SWT), nor should it be motivated by pride or lust for attention.
Allah (SWT) is the source of ultimate beauty. He is All-Mighty and All-Powerful. So, our pride is an illusion to stroke our ego. The best adornment for a believer is modesty and a humble attitude. A person with these qualities is automatically likable and attractive to others around him or her.