Hadith #1208

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,

Faith and modesty are linked in one linkage and they do not separate.

This wise utterance highlights the inseparable connection between faith and modesty. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith.

The word "faith" in Arabic is (اَلإيمانُ) "al-Iman", which refers to a comprehensive belief in the heart, affirmation with the tongue, and actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It encompasses belief in the Oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ), and the Day of Judgment, among other fundamental beliefs.

The word "modesty" in Arabic is (الحَياءُ) "al-Haya", which refers to a sense of shame and modesty that prevents one from engaging in immoral or indecent behavior. It is a quality that encourages one to be modest in their speech, actions, and appearance, and to avoid anything that may lead to immodesty or indecency.

To understand the profound connection between faith and modesty, 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. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.

This verse highlights the importance of modesty in Islam. It emphasizes that clothing is not merely for adornment but also serves the purpose of concealing one's private parts. However, the clothing of righteousness, which includes modesty in behavior and speech, is even more important. It is a sign of faith and a means of attaining closeness to Allah.

Another verse that supports the linkage between faith and modesty is found in Surah An-Nur (24:30), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse instructs the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. It highlights the importance of modesty in controlling one's desires and maintaining purity. By doing so, they demonstrate their faith and obedience to Allah.

The linkage between faith and modesty can be understood by considering the motivations, consequences, and reflections of this connection. When a person has strong faith, it naturally leads to a sense of modesty. This is because faith instills a deep awareness of Allah's presence and a desire to please Him. Modesty becomes a reflection of this awareness and a means of guarding oneself against sin.

Modesty also has profound consequences on an individual and society. It creates an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and purity. Modest behavior and appearance contribute to a harmonious and virtuous society. It protects individuals from falling into sins such as adultery, indecent speech, and immodest behavior. It also promotes humility and prevents arrogance and pride from taking root in the hearts of believers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that faith and modesty go hand in hand. They are intertwined and cannot be separated. A person with true faith will naturally exhibit modesty in their actions, speech, and appearance. Conversely, a lack of modesty may indicate a deficiency in faith.

As Muslims, we should strive to strengthen our faith and cultivate a sense of modesty in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we not only fulfill the teachings of Islam but also contribute to the creation of a virtuous and righteous society. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the linkage between faith and modesty and may He bless us with His guidance and mercy.