The Essence of Hayā
Hayā is part of Islam. Hayā is rich in meaning, it is modesty in all aspects of life.
Hayā is in the way we appear and clothe ourselves; it is our speech, behavior, and our thoughts. It is about understanding our role as humble servants of Allāh سبحانه وتعالى and striving to live the life that pleases our creator. Hayā is piousness. Modesty is not just a social etiquette but a spiritual attribute that reflects our relationship with Allāh. Being mindful of the presence of Allāh and our devotion.
The aspects of Hayā in Life
Wear: Modest wear is the most significant visible aspect of hayā, how we show ourselves out to the world. That is covering appropriately and not attracting attention, being excessive or committing tabarrauj. It is a form of respect to oneself and others. Overall, modest wear symbolizes your faith and commitment to Islamic values.
Speech: The words we speak hold immense significance, they lead to either good or bad deeds. We are to carefully guard our tongues, speak with mindfulness and sincerity, strive to use our words to bring about goodness and benefit to others, thereby earning the blessings of Allāh. Speaking kindly, abstaining from gossip, refraining from falsehoods, and avoiding vulgar language are all ways to embody hayā. The Prophet ﷺ advised, "Let whoever believes in Allāh and the Last Day speak good or remain silent" (Sahih Bukhari).
Behavior: Conducting oneself with dignity and respect in interactions is of hayā. That is being polite, avoiding arrogant behavior, being understanding, and treating others with compassion. “Love for people what you love for yourself” - Prophet ﷺ.
Thoughts: Maintaining purity in our thoughts and intentions. Avoiding negative and judgmental thoughts, focusing on positive and constructive thinking, and constantly strive to purify our intentions.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Hayā
Regularly reflecting on our actions, words, and thoughts can help us identify areas where we need to improve in modesty. Set aside time for introspection. Ask yourself, am I pleasing my creator? Am I disappointing my creator? Is this the state that I'd want to return to Allāh in?
Seek the right knowledge; understand the principles of hayā through the Qur'an, authentic Hadiths, and the right Islamic teachings. Surround yourself around the pious people and environment.
Establish clear boundaries in interactions, wear, and social media usage. Be mindful of the content you consume and share, be mindful of how you represent yourself out to the world. Ensure what you do aligns with the values of our faith.
Have Hayā in your wear, speech, behavior, and thoughts - you will complete your faith and earn the love of Allāh.
“Verily, hayā (modesty) and faith come together. If one of the two is missing, so is the other.”
[al-Adab al-Mufrad lil-Bukhārī 1313]
إِنَّ الْحَيَاءَ وَالإِيمَانَ قُرِنَا جَمِيعًا فَإِذَا رُفِعَ أَحَدُهُمَا رُفِعَ الآخَرُ باب الحياء
“The character of Islam is hayā (modesty).”
[Sunan Ibn Mājah 4182]
إِنَّ خُلُقَ الْإِسْلَامِ الْحَيَاءُ
“Vulgarity is not found in anything but that it disgraces it, and hayā (modesty) is not found in anything but that it beautifies it.”
[Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1974]
مَا كَانَ الْفُحْشُ فِي شَيْءٍ إِلَّا شَانَهُ وَمَا كَانَ الْحَيَاءُ فِي شَيْءٍ إِلَّا زَانَهُ
“Hayā (modesty) is part of faith and faith is in Paradise. Shamelessness is part of insolence and insolence is in Hellfire.”
[Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2009]
الْحَيَاءُ مِنْ الْإِيمَانِ وَالْإِيمَانُ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَالْبَذَاءُ مِنْ الْجَفَاءِ وَالْجَفَاءُ فِي النَّارِ
“Hayā (modesty) does not bring anything but goodness.”
“Hayā (modesty) is all goodness.”
[Sahīh al-Bukhārī 6117, Sahīh Muslim 37]
الْحَيَاءُ لَا يَأْتِي إِلَّا خَيْرٍ
الْحَيَاءُ خَيْرٌ كُلُّهُ