Read this article in Maltese: L-Għera u l-Modestja

Different cultures and religions have their own ways and habits. What appears right or harmless to one is considered wrong or harmful to another. Let us take the subject of nudity. Some persons see no harm in displaying their private parts in the presence of other people; others feel that there is no harm to do so on certain occasions or under certain circumstances, while others are against it altogether. As far as Muslims are concerned it is forbidden because it is immodest and contrary to the principles of Islam, The Quran says:

Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. And say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts. (24:31, 32)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has said on the topic of modesty:

Verily modesty and faith are related to each other; when one of them is taken away, the other also is taken away.

It is the normal and general practice in the West, and elsewhere also, for students, sportsmen even people in general to strip in front of one another when taking a bath or a shower and quite often, a communal bath. This is not the practice of Muslims who, when in the presence of others, wear shorts when changing or bathing.

Private parts are just what their name implies and are not for indiscriminate viewing by others, whether at a young age or old. Therefore, communal nude bathing is completely out of the question for a Muslim. It is compulsory for all Muslims to cover the private parts of their bodies and make sure that these are never exposed to others at any time. It is incumbent upon every Muslim to adhere to these teachings and rules most faithfully and there is no room for any exception in it.

On the matter of nudity the Holy Prophet of Islam, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has unequivocally forbidden the exposure of one’s private parts. He forbade males to show and look upon one another’s genitals and also forbade women to look upon one another’s private parts. (Kitab-ul-Hamam)

Children should be taught modesty from their childhood so it becomes part and parcel of their character and personality. Children should not be allowed to remain naked; and they should be taught that they respect their privacy and always dress modestly and decently.

During his Friday Sermon delivered on 13^th January 2017, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, emphasized on this subject and said that there are many things which apparently look small and with the passage of time we start considering them normal but they produce devastating results. Thus a believer should not consider any smallest of the commandments unimportant.

He said that these days we see that the majority of people are drifting away from the religion. Hence their criterion of good and bad has changed also. For example these days we see that nudity is on the rise both men and women on the name of freedom and fashion adapting it. Open vulgarity is becoming a sigh of prosperity and modesty has become an unknown thing. Let us establish high standards of morality and modesty and live a life of piety, righteousness and great virtues.