Men Compliment My Looks...Am I Doing Something Wrong?

Question: On several occasions different non-mahrem men have told me that I look very nice, or that my hijab is very pretty etc. I wear hijab and jilbab usually in light colors and try my best to cover properly. Is it sinful that brothers compliment me or should I just say alhumdulilah and leave it at that?

Walaikum assalam,

1. Do what it takes to be modest in your dress, ways, and manners, to the best of your honest ability.

2. After this, if people (even men) compliment you, and you know that you did nothing to seek such compliments, then do not worry about things.

As mentioned in a recent answer on the Hanafi list:

Above all, however, one must develop modesty in one's heart, which inevitably manifests itself in one's outward actions. This applies to all believers, male and female.

And the ultimate modesty is modesty towards Allah Most High, such that one feels shame if one even considers doing anything Allah dislikes.

This is why the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, "Allah is more worthy of one's modesty." [Abu Dawud and others]

Walaikumassalam,
Faraz Rabbani.