Chastity in the Islamic Legal Perspective: Objectives and Means of Preservation in an Age of Change

The book “Chastity in the Islamic Legal Perspective: Objectives and Means of Preservation in an Age of Change” by Professor Hassan Yachou presents an extensive legal and educational study of the value of chastity, as one of the pillars of moral construction in Islam, and a means of protecting the person, family, and society from behavioral deviations and moral disturbances.

The origin of this book came in the form of a scientific paper prepared by the author for the second section of an international scientific symposium entitled: “The Problem of Delayed Marriage and Its Impact on Chastity: Between Social Standards, Legal Options, and Their Contemporary Effects.” Then he expanded its material and enriched it with Qur’anic and Prophetic evidence, sayings of scholars and sages, traditional sources, and relevant studies.

The book is divided into two main sections:

The first topic: Chastity from the legal perspective and its objectives

It deals with the linguistic and terminological meaning of chastity, the difference between it and integrity, the reasons for the need to talk about it in the present era, its types according to the legal rulings, and its place within the pillars of morality. It also presents its effects and purposes, including: preserving honor, preserving chivalry, the safety of the individual and society, preventing immorality and diseases, achieving family and social stability, and achieving success and the highest paradise.

The book brings to mind the example of the Prophet of God, Joseph, peace be upon him, as a high example of chastity and self-struggle, along with examples of the Prophet’s biography and the conditions of the companions, scholars, and righteous people.

The second topic: Means of preserving chastity in times of change

The author presents a wide range of practical and educational methods, the most prominent of which are: Islamic education within the family, the use of reason, advocacy and media awareness, facilitating marriage, chastity and asking God for chastity, high resolve, self-struggle, modesty, fear of God, lowering the gaze, patience, fasting, occupying time with obedience and useful deeds, choosing good company, staying away from places of accusation and suspicion, avoiding solitude and mingling that lead to temptation, and commitment. By following legal controls on dress, going out, and dealings, reading books on morals and etiquette, and emulating the ways of the righteous and the abstinent.

The book concludes with a number of findings and recommendations, including a call to prepare a blog and encyclopedia specialized in chastity and chastity, organize scientific conferences and seminars, produce educational and media works directed at women, the family and children, and facilitate marriage and address spinsterhood and excessive dowries.