Alhamdulillah wa salatu wa salam ala rasulullah (SAW) amma ba'd... Assalamualikum
Unlike the hijab for women, this is one of the most neglected and least talked about topic among Non-Muslims and Muslims. Some people are unaware that there is Hijab for men also. It is amazing and quite shocking to know that in the Quran, Hijab is prescribed for men first as in the Ayah:
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do." [Surah Nur 24:30]
Hijab requires 6 criteria which has to be fulfilled by both men and women.
1. Extent: . This is different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. Although it may not be obligatory on men to completely conceal our bodies like it is for women, the issue of modesty and humility cannot be neglected.
All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women.
2. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.
3. The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them.
4. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.
5. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.
6. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers’ religions.
Some of us may think that all this is fine, but looking at a girl wouldnt cause any harm. Just a look, whats gonna happen? The answer is given in a Hadith:
Imam Husayn (a.s.) quoted the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said'An evil look is one of the poisonous arrows of Iblis (Satan) and how an evil look causes long-suffering regrets."
This also includes looking at women in the televison, magazines, etc.
A message to all my brothers:
Brothers, you have to be more cautious then we, women, have to be. Respect women. Be modest. Lower your gaze, no matter who she is and what she is wearing. Believe me, thats the respect they want and deserve. They would in turn respect you. And all this will prevent a lot of Haram things.
If I made any mistakes, it was from Shaytan and my own mistakes. If anything you find is useful, is from Allah as He guides whom He wills.
JazakAllahu Khairan. BarakAllah Fekkum and Salam...