Hadith #3071

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أحْسَنُ مَلابِسِ الدِّينِ اَلحَياءُ۔

This translates to,

The best of religious attires is modesty.

In this wise utterance, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of modesty as a fundamental aspect of one's faith.

The word (malabis) "مَلابِسِ" refers to clothing or attire, while (ad-deen) "الدِّينِ" refers to religion or faith. The term (ahsan) "أحْسَنُ" means the best or the most excellent. And finally, (al-haya) "الحَياءُ" translates to modesty or bashfulness.

To understand the significance of modesty in Islam, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26),

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 purpose of clothing, which is to cover one's private parts and to serve as a means of righteousness. Modesty in dress is an essential component of righteousness and is thus deemed as the best attire.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hijr (15:72), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the inhabitants of Paradise as being adorned with garments of fine silk and brocade. This indicates that modesty is not limited to covering oneself but also extends to the quality and nature of one's clothing. Muslims are encouraged to dress in a manner that reflects modesty and decency, avoiding extravagance and immodesty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes that true religious attire is not merely about the physical garments one wears, but rather about the inner quality of modesty that should be reflected in one's behavior, speech, and interactions with others. Modesty is a virtue that encompasses humility, self-respect, and a sense of propriety.

Practicing modesty in all aspects of life has numerous benefits. It fosters a sense of dignity and self-worth, protects individuals from falling into sin and indecency, and promotes a harmonious and respectful society. Modesty also serves as a shield against arrogance, as it reminds us of our dependence on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our accountability to Him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the virtue of modesty throughout his life. His humility and modesty were evident in his interactions with people, his simplicity in dress and lifestyle, and his commitment to justice and righteousness. He understood that true religious attire goes beyond external appearances and encompasses the inner qualities that define a person's character.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and embrace modesty as an integral part of our faith. By adorning ourselves with the garment of modesty, we not only fulfill a religious obligation but also contribute to the betterment of society and the strengthening of our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody true modesty in all aspects of our lives.