Al-ʿadhraʾ (a virgin) is a woman who has never married, and she is the most modest of women because she has not lived with men. You therefore find her shy and retiring in the privacy of her chamber. Yet the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was even more modest than she. Whenever he saw something he disliked, it could be read on his face—his complexion would change—yet he still observed the utmost modesty, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

In the same way, a believer should be modest: he does not flounder about, does nothing shameful, and engages in nothing that would expose him to criticism. When he hears or sees something he dislikes, he is affected by it. It is no mark of manliness to feel nothing at all, for the person who is never moved is but a dull soul devoid of feeling. Rather, you are affected, and your modesty keeps you from doing or saying what is reprehensible.

However, modesty must not keep a person from asking about the religious duties that are incumbent upon him. Neglecting to inquire about obligatory matters is not modesty—it is weakness—for Allah does not shy away from the truth. ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “How excellent were the women of the Ansar; their modesty never prevented them from seeking understanding of the religion.” A woman would come to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and ask about matters that men themselves were embarrassed to mention. Therefore, a person must ask about his religion and should not be ashamed.