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Embracing Hayaa: The Islamic Concept of Shyness in Modesty and Morality
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- Muslim
Hayaa: natural or inherent, shyness and a sense of modesty
In Islam, the concept of shyness, referred to as "hayaa," occupies a significant place in the framework of ethics and personal conduct. Hayaa encompasses a range of qualities such as modesty, decency, bashfulness, and a sense of shame, contributing to a moral and virtuous character that aligns with the teachings of Islam.
Quran -Surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion) 25:67
˹They are˺ those who spend neither wastefully nor stingily, but moderately in between.
The Quran and Hadith emphasize the value of hayaa in various aspects of a Muslim's life, reflecting the broader Islamic ethos of humility, decency, and respect for oneself and others. One of the foundational aspects of hayaa is the recognition of God's presence and awareness of one's actions. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), it is stated: "O children of Adam! We have indeed sent down to you clothing to cover your shame, and (clothing) for beauty. But the clothing of Taqwa (piety, righteousness) – that is the best. That is one of Allah's signs, so that they may be mindful."
Quran -Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights) 7:26
O children of Adam! We have provided for you clothing to cover your nakedness and as an adornment. However, the best clothing is righteousness. This is one of Allah’s bounties, so perhaps you will be mindful.
This verse signifies that clothing is not just a means of covering one's physical form but also a symbol of moral consciousness. The clothing of piety and hayaa reflects a deeper awareness of God's presence, encouraging believers to embody modesty in their demeanor and interactions.
Quran -Surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion) 25:63
The ˹true˺ servants of the Most Compassionate are those who walk on the earth humbly, and when the foolish address them ˹improperly˺, they only respond with peace.
Quran -Surah Al-Ahzab (The Clans) 33:59
O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it is more likely that they will be recognized ˹as virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified the qualities of hayaa in his character. He was described as being more modest than a virgin secluded in her chamber, emphasizing the purity and sincerity of his conduct. The Prophet's teachings emphasized the importance of hayaa in various aspects of life, including how one speaks, behaves, and even in matters of personal hygiene.
The Prophet [SAW] said: "Modesty (Al-Haya') is a branch of Faith."
Hayaa extends to family life as well, emphasizing the sanctity of relationships and privacy. Respecting the boundaries of modesty within the family unit contributes to a harmonious and morally upright household.
Quran -Surah An-Nur (The Light) 24:30-31
˹O Prophet!˺ Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women, those ˹bondwomen˺ in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness. Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful.
In contemporary times, where societal norms often challenge traditional values, the concept of hayaa remains relevant as a moral compass for Muslims. Navigating the modern world with a sense of modesty does not imply backwardness but rather a commitment to upholding ethical standards and preserving the dignity of individuals.
Al-Fuhsh is not present in anything but it mars it, and Al-Haya' is not present in anything but it beautifies it.
The concept of hayaa also underscores the importance of self-awareness and introspection. It encourages individuals to evaluate their actions in the light of Islamic principles and to cultivate a consciousness of God in all aspects of life.
Modesty is part of faith, and faith will be in Paradise. Obscenity in speech is part of harshness and harshness will be in Hell.
In conclusion, hayaa in Islam is not merely a cultural norm but a deeply ingrained ethical concept that permeates various facets of a Muslim's life. It reflects a commitment to modesty, decency, and moral consciousness, grounded in the teachings of the Quran and the exemplary conduct of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Embracing hayaa contributes to the cultivation of a society where individuals interact with respect, humility, and a heightened awareness of their moral responsibilities.
The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Faith has seventy-odd branches, the most virtuous of which is La ilaha illallah (there is none worthy of worship except Allah) and the least of which is removing something harmful from the road. And modesty (Al-Haya') is a branch of faith.'