Hadith #207

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

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

مَنْ كَسَاهُ الْحَيَاءُ ثَوْبَهُ لَمْ يَرَ النَّاسُ عَيْبَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is attired with the outfit of modesty, people never see his fault.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (hayaa) "حَيَاءُ" in this Hadith refers to modesty, humility, and a sense of shame. It is a quality that encompasses a person's behavior, speech, and appearance. When one adorns themselves with the garment of modesty, it becomes a shield that protects them from exposing their faults and weaknesses to others. This does not mean that a person becomes perfect or free from faults, but rather, their modesty prevents others from noticing or highlighting their shortcomings.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of modesty in several verses. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 significance of clothing as a means of concealing one's private parts, but it also emphasizes the importance of adorning oneself with righteousness, which includes modesty.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in external appearances or worldly achievements. Modesty is an essential component of righteousness, as it reflects a person's humility and submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that when we embody the quality of modesty, people are less likely to notice or focus on our faults. Modesty acts as a shield that protects us from the judgment and criticism of others. It allows us to maintain our dignity and integrity, even in the face of adversity or challenges.

For example, imagine a person who is known for their modesty and humility. They are careful with their words, dress modestly, and avoid drawing attention to themselves. Even if they make a mistake or have a fault, people are less likely to notice or remember it because their overall demeanor and conduct overshadow any minor shortcomings. This is the power of modesty in protecting our reputation and preserving our honor.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to cultivate the virtue of modesty in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us that our focus should be on improving ourselves and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than seeking validation or approval from others. When we prioritize modesty, we become less concerned with how others perceive us and more focused on our own self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of adorning ourselves with the garment of modesty. It reminds us that when we embody this quality, people are less likely to notice or focus on our faults. Modesty acts as a shield that protects our reputation and preserves our honor. By cultivating modesty in our behavior, speech, and appearance, we can strive to become better individuals and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the virtue of modesty and protect us from the judgment of others.