Hadith #3081

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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, "الحياء تمام الكرم" which translates to

Modesty is the perfection of honor.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of modesty in one's character and behavior. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hayaa) "حياء" in Arabic refers to a sense of modesty, shyness, and humility. It encompasses a person's awareness of their own shortcomings and a desire to avoid anything that may lead to immodesty or indecency. Modesty is a virtue that is highly regarded in Islam, as it reflects a person's piety and self-respect.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of modesty in the Quran in several verses. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (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. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember

This verse highlights the significance of modesty in the way we dress and present ourselves to others.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur, Allah says, (24:31)

And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed

This verse emphasizes the importance of modesty in the behavior and attire of both men and women.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Modesty is the perfection of honor,

highlights the profound connection between modesty and honor. Modesty is not a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of one's inner strength and dignity. When a person possesses modesty, they are able to maintain their honor and integrity in all aspects of life.

Modesty acts as a shield against inappropriate behavior, indecency, and arrogance. It prevents a person from engaging in actions that may tarnish their reputation or harm others. It also fosters a sense of humility and respect towards others, as a modest person recognizes their own limitations and treats others with kindness and empathy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate and uphold the virtue of modesty in their lives. By doing so, we not only preserve our own honor and integrity but also contribute to a more harmonious and respectful society.

Let us strive to embody the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble progeny, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to cultivate modesty in our character and actions, and may He bless us with the perfection of honor in this world and the Hereafter.