Hadith #3073

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best modesty is your being ashamed of yourself [in front of Allah].

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of true modesty and humility before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hayaa) "حَيَاء" in Arabic, translated as "modesty" in English, refers to a sense of shame or bashfulness that prevents one from engaging in inappropriate behavior. It is a quality that stems from a deep sense of self-awareness and consciousness of Allah's presence. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the best form of modesty is when one feels ashamed of their own actions and shortcomings in the sight of Allah.

This concept of modesty is beautifully emphasized in the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah says,

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best.

This verse highlights the importance of not only physical modesty but also the modesty of one's character and actions. True modesty is not just about covering oneself, but also about adorning oneself with righteousness and avoiding actions that may displease Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse teaches us the importance of modesty in our interactions with others. Modesty requires us to be respectful and considerate towards others, refraining from belittling or mocking them. It is a reflection of our humility and understanding that we are all equal in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that true modesty goes beyond external appearances and extends to our inner thoughts, intentions, and actions. It is about recognizing our own flaws and weaknesses and striving to improve ourselves for the sake of Allah. This form of modesty is deeply rooted in self-awareness and self-reflection.

When we are truly modest, we are constantly aware of our own shortcomings and are motivated to rectify them. We become conscious of our words, actions, and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. Modesty prevents us from indulging in arrogance, pride, and self-centeredness. It humbles us and reminds us that our ultimate goal is to please Allah and seek His forgiveness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their own behavior and strive for self-improvement. It encourages us to be introspective and critical of our actions, always seeking to better ourselves in the sight of Allah. By being ashamed of our own shortcomings and seeking forgiveness, we develop a deep sense of humility and reliance on Allah's mercy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best form of modesty is when we are genuinely ashamed of our own actions and shortcomings in front of Allah. It is a reminder to constantly strive for self-improvement, to be aware of our own flaws, and to seek forgiveness from Allah. This modesty extends beyond our external appearance and encompasses our character, interactions, and intentions. May Allah grant us the ability to embody true modesty and humility in all aspects of our lives.