Hadith #3096

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,

كَثْرَةُ حَياءِ الرَّجُلِ دَليلُ إيمانِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The increased modesty of a person is the sign of his faith.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of modesty in a person's character and its direct correlation with their level of faith.

The word (hayaa) "حَيَاء" in Arabic refers to modesty, shyness, and a sense of shame. It is a quality that encompasses humility, decency, and a sense of propriety in one's actions, speech, and appearance. Modesty is an essential characteristic of a believer, as it reflects their inner piety and reverence towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The hadith emphasizes that the abundance of modesty in an individual is a clear indication of their strong faith. It signifies their awareness of Allah's presence and their desire to adhere to His commandments. Modesty acts as a protective shield, guarding one's actions and preventing them from engaging in immoral or inappropriate behavior.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the significance of modesty in Islam. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the clothing of Adam and Eve in Paradise, saying, (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 importance of modesty in both physical and spiritual aspects.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the believing men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. He says, (24:30-31)

Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. 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.

These verses emphasize the importance of modesty in interactions and the need to protect one's modesty from being compromised.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith reminds us that modesty is not merely an external display but a reflection of one's inner faith. It is a virtue that should be cultivated and nurtured in every aspect of our lives. Modesty encourages humility, sincerity, and self-restraint, which are all qualities that contribute to the development of a strong and genuine faith.

When a person possesses a high level of modesty, it influences their behavior and choices. They become cautious of their actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. Modesty also affects their interactions with others, as they strive to maintain respect and dignity in their relationships. This virtuous characteristic motivates individuals to avoid sins and engage in acts of righteousness, as they are conscious of Allah's presence and His commandments.

Moreover, the increased modesty of a person has far-reaching consequences. It creates an environment of purity and righteousness, promoting a sense of tranquility and harmony within society. Modesty serves as a deterrent to immorality and indecency, safeguarding individuals from falling into sinful behaviors. It fosters a culture of respect, where people treat one another with dignity and honor.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of cultivating and nurturing modesty in their lives. It is a quality that should be sought after and cherished, as it is a clear sign of one's faith. By embodying modesty, we not only strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but also contribute to the betterment of our communities and the establishment of a righteous society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to increase in our modesty and strengthen our faith. May He guide us to embody the teachings of Islam and follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. Ameen.