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Modesty in Islam

Modesty in Islam

14 - Jan - 2021
Lifestyle
2
Min

“Modesty and faith are connected with one another just like two things fastened by a rope. If one of them is gone, the other is also lost” [1]. Imam Baqir (AS). Modesty is a special sense that prevents one from saying inappropriate words and making mistakes. It refers to an uncomfortable feeling accompanied by embarrassment, caused by one's anxiety about being exposed to some unworthy or indecent conduct. This concept, as one of the highest and most fundamental moral qualities, is known as Haya in Islam. Modesty in Islam describes shyness and shame, but Haya represents a more profound implication that is based on faith. In many sayings (Hadiths), it has been quoted that modesty is linked with faith and originates from it [1, 2]. Hence, it is one of the most important characteristics that every Muslim should acquire and possess [3]; particularly Muslim women (“haya is a good characteristic for all, but is better for women” [4]).

Modesty in Islam: natural and acquired

There are two types of modesty: natural and acquired. An example of the former is the feeling of shyness and humility naturally occurring in a young child that makes him/her cover the private parts of the body from others. Or, in the story of Eve and Adam (PBUT) where they realize their nakedness and try to hide their genitals. This kind of modesty is common sense that exists within all human beings, believer or non-believer: “God Almighty divided the modesty among people just as He divided the provision” [5], and what differentiates them from animals: “If modesty did not exist … the promises wouldn’t be kept … Nobody would do any good, and nobody would refrain from the evil … if it weren’t for modesty, many people wouldn’t stop sinning.” [6]. Modesty serves as a cover on the soul that conceals the defects and calms down wrath and lust [7]. No one can, therefore, justify his/her sins and mistakes because of not being naturally given a sense of modesty.

The latter, on the other hand, can be only attained as a result of knowing and perceiving the Glory of Allah and minding His presence everywhere and in every second. In Islamic ethics, modesty is more than just a question of how a person dresses and acts in social interactions; instead, it is reflected in a Muslim’s conduct before God, before others, and even when one is alone.

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Modesty towards others

Modesty towards others entails that one has decent and reasonable behavior in public, avoids indecent talks and vain activities, and respects everyone around him/her. If one has developed this ethical aspect within him/her and obeyed this sense, he/she will become ashamed when someone notices him doing something wrong. This feeling will be even worse when the other person is in a higher position. This, consequently, stops him/her from repeating that action.

To clarify the importance of modesty towards people, Imam Ali (AS) said that the evilest of all is who is not ashamed of his actions in front of people [8].

Modesty towards others includes especially the opposite gender and involves not gazing at them [9], harming them in any way or indulging in any forbidden (Haram) relation with them. In Surah Nur, Allah guides both men and women to the key to modesty by saying that believing men and women should lower their gaze and guard their modesty (24:30-31).

A good instance of modesty in the interactions between opposite genders is described in Surah Qasas, verses 23-26, between the daughters of Shoaib (PBUH) and Moses (PBUH). These verses demonstrate that the daughters of the prophet work and appear in society, but they care about how they interact with others; they concentrate on what they should do without having unnecessary dialogues with men. They communicate as much as necessary, with respect and dignity. Their speech is direct and clear-cut with Moses, so are Moses’s words. Even the way they both walk is with care and shyness [10].

Modesty towards Oneself

Modesty towards oneself means that a person treats himself fairly in private. It is caused by the unpleasant feeling that arises when thinking of or doing something improper which consequently stops one from forbidden (Haram) thoughts or illicit acts. It was mentioned that when one does something indecent and suddenly notices the presence of others, he becomes ashamed (if he still possesses the natural modesty that is laid within his soul); a higher level of Haya is being ashamed of oneself when no one else is present. This kind of modesty is known as the yield of faith: “The shame a person feels from himself originates from [his] faith.” [11].

Modesty towards God

Modesty towards God is called the best level of modesty [12]: “be modest in front of Allah for He has a right to your modesty” [13]. To accomplish this, one should first believe that nothing can be concealed from God “Does he not know that Allah sees [him]?” (96:14). In fact, Allah sees and knows everything, and is closer to humans more than themselves: “and We are nearer to him than [his] jugular vein” (50:16). Consequently, a modest person toward God will avoid any indecent act, in public or private, and will leave sinful thoughts behind.


References:

  1. M. al-Kulaynī, “Al-Kafi”, vol. 2, p. 106.
  2. M. B. Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 75, p. 309.
  3. M. al-Kulaynī, “Al-Kafi”, vol. 2, p. 106, T. 5.
  4. A. Q. Payande, “Nahj Al-Fasahah”, p. 578, T. 2006.
  5. S. H. al-Amili, “Wasail al-Shia”, vol. 20, p. 135.
  6. M. B. Majlesi, “Mofazzal monotheism”, Chapter: Human Senses.
  7. “Nahj al-Balagha”, no. 223
  8. “Ghurar Al-Hikam”, no. 5464
  9. M. B. Majlesi, "Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 101, p. 40.
  10. N. Makarem Shirazi, “Tafsir Nemooneh”, vol. 16, p 58-59.
  11. “Ghurar Al-Hikam”, no. 4944.
  12. “Ghurar Al-Hikam”, no. 5451.
  13. H. T. Nuri Ṭabarsi, “Mustadrak al-Wasail”, vol. 8, p. 462.


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Eid al Fitr :When Muslims Give Thanks to Allah

11 - Jan - 2021 10 Read 5 Min

“O ALLAH, bless Muhammad (PBUH) and his Progeny! Bless us in this day of our festival and our fast-breaking, make it one of the best of days that have passed over us.” Imam Sajjad (AS) - Sahifa Al-Sajjadiyya

Eid al-Fitr is the most important festival in the Islamic calendar. It provides us with an opportunity to offer thanks to Allah for having given us the will and strength to observe fast during the holy month of Ramadan. This Eid falls on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal and marks the end of Ramadan.

On the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family gets up very early to perform the following tasks:

1. Reciting Takbirs 

It is recommended to recite the following Takbirs after performing the Dawn prayer (Salat al-Fajr):

"اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُلاإِلَهَ إِلااللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُوَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُالْحَمْدُلِلَّهِ عَلَى مَاهَدَانَاوَلَهُ الشُّكْرُعَلَى مَا أَوْلانَا"

‘AllaahuakbarAllaahuakbar la ilaahaillallaahuwwllaahuakbarallaahuakbarwalillaahilh’amd al ha’mdulillaaha’laamaahadaanaawalahushukrua’laamaaawlaanaa’

It means: “Allah is Great. Allah is Great. There is no god but Allah. And Allah is Great. Allah is Great. (All) praise be to Allah. (We) sing the praises of Allah because He has shown us the Right Path. (We) gratefully thank Him because He takes care of us and looks after our interests.”

2. Giving Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrah)

Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory religious tax paid by those who can afford it as a kind of charity at the sunset of Eid alFitr night (i.e. the night preceding Eid day), which is about three kilos of the item commonly eaten per person in the house (e.g. wheat, barley, dates, raisins, rice or millet, etc.).

You can also pay the price of one of these items in cash. Fitrah should be given to deserving believers whose income is not sufficient to spend on their families for one year. It is better to give it before the Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid).

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3. Performing Eid al Fitr prayer

The Eid prayer is performed in the morning, between sunrise and the Midday prayer (Salat al-Zuhr). It can be performed either individually or in a congregation and consists of two Rak’ahs (units). During the first Rak’ah, you should recite the first chapter of the Holy Quran (Surah al-Fateha).

Thereafter, you can recite another chapter of your choice. However, it is recommended to recite Chapter 91 (Surah al-Shams) in the first Rak’ah and Chapter 8 (Surah al-Ghashiya) in the second one following Surah al-Fateha; or alternatively, recite Chapter 87 (Surah al-A'ala) in the first Rak’ah and Chapter 91 (Surah al-Shams) in the second (following Surah al-Fateha).

After reciting the Quranic chapters, there are five Takbirs-i.e. ‘Allahu Akbar’-  that needs to be said in the first Rak’ah and four in the second one - and along with each of these, you should recite a Qunut (raising hands in prayer).

After the fifth Qunut of the first Rak'ah, you should recite a Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and then perform the Ruku’ (bowing) and continue with the Sujud (prostration) twice. In the second Rak’ah, the actions of the first Rak’ah are repeated with four Takbirs. At the end of the prayer, upon the completion of the second Sujud, you should recite the Tashahhud and complete the prayer with the Salutations (Salam).

Qunut Recitation

Although any recitation or Dua will suffice in Qunut of the Eid Prayers, it is recommended to recite the following Dua:

"اَللّهُمَّ اَهلَا لْکِبْرِيَاءِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ،وَاَهْلَا لْجُوْدِ وَالْجَبَرُوتِ، وَاَهْلَا لْعَفْوِ وَالرَّحْمَةِ وَاَهْلَا لتَّقْوٰی وَالْمَغْفِرَةِ،اَسْاَلُكَ بِحَقِّ هٰذَا الْيَوْمِ الَّذِی جَعَلْتَه لِلْمُسْلِمِيْنَ عِيْدًاوَلِمُحَمَّدٍصَلَّی اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ ذُخْراًوَكَرَامَةً وَشَرَفًا وَمَزِيْداً اَنْتُصَلِّیَ عَلٰی مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَاَنْ تُدْخِلَنِی فِی کُلِّ خَيْرٍاَدْخَلْتَ فِيْهِ مُحَمَّداً وَآلَ مُحَمَّدٍ،وَاَنْ تُخْرِجَنِی مِنْ کُلِّ سُوْٓءٍ اَخْرَجْتَ مِنْهُ مُحَمَّدًا وَآلَ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَواتُكَ عَلَيْهِ وَعَلَيْهِمْ اَجْمَعِيْنَ.اَللَّهُمَّ اِنِّی اَسْاَلُكَ خَيْرَمَاسَاَلَكَ بِهِ عِبادُكَ الصَّالِـحُونَ،وَاَعُوْذُبِكَ مِمَّا اسْتَعاذَ مِنْهُ عِبادُكَ الْمُخْلِصُوْنَ"

‘Allahummaahlalkibriya'iwal 'azamah, waahlaljudiwaljaburat, waahlal 'afwi war rahmah, waahlattaqwawalmaghfirah.

As alukabihaqqihazalyawmillazija'altahulilmuslimina 'ida ,waliMuhammadinsallallahu 'AlaihiwaAlihi, zukhranwasharafanwakaramatanwamazida an tusalliya 'ala Muhammad wa Ali Muhammad wa an tudkhilani fi kullikhayrinadkhaltafihi Muhammadan wa Ala Muhammad wa an tukhrijani min kullisu'inakhrajtaminhu Muhammadan wa Ala Muhammad salawatuka 'alahiwa 'alahim. Allahummainni as alukakhayra ma saalakabihiibadukassalihun, waauzubikamimmastaazaminhuibadukalmukhlasun.’

Translation:

“O Allah, (belongs to You only) pride, glory, excellence, omnipotence. (You) grant amnesty and show kindness, (You are) Holy and Oft-forgiving, (so), I ask You in the name of this day which You have ordained as a day of happiness for the Muslims. An occasion for Muhammad (blessings of Allah be on him and his progeny) to plan ahead and grow strong to send blessings on Muhammad and on the progeny of Muhammad. And introduce me to every good that had been made available to Muhammad and Muhammad’s progeny. Educate me to keep from every evil as You kept safe Muhammad and Muhammad’s progeny from it. Your blessings are on him and on them. O Allah, I ask you to give me the good which Your pious servants had asked for. And I take refuge with You from that which caused Your pious servants to seek refuge with you.”

This is how Muslims joyfully celebrate the achievement of enhanced piety on this day of forgiveness, moral victory, and peace, of fellowship, brotherhood, and unity. Muslims not only celebrate the end of fasting but also thank God for the strength that He gave them during the previous month to help them practice self-control.

Happy Eid al-Fitr!


References:

  1.   EID UL FITR -

  2. salat eid



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40 Exceptional Imam Jawad (AS) Quotes

19 - Feb - 2021 1,810 Read 5 Min

1. Trust Allah

Trusting in Allah is the expense for achieving whatever worthwhile and the ladder toward whatever elevating.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.

2. The All-Present 

Feeling Allah in every breath is more advantageous than exhausting your body in worshipping Him.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.

3. Four Things a Believer Needs 

The believer is in need of Allah's favor, his/her inner guide, and being open to the goodwill of the well-wishers.

 Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 457.

4. Visiting Friends 

Visiting your friends, even for a short time, improves your health and elevates your mind.

al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.329.

5. Do not Trust Unheedfully 

Trusting someone before making sure [of his/her personality] ends up in pain and catastrophe.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.364.

6. Prosperity 

The believer prospers in not depending on others.

 al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.109.

7. The Hidden Secret

Life reveals the hidden secrets to you, [as it goes by]. 

 al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.365.

8. Allah's Supervision

Know that you are constantly under Allah's supervision, so beware of yourself.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 455.

9. Wrong Deeds

If you approve of a wrong deed, you will be considered to have a share in committing it.

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.75, p.82.

10. Ask Your Needs from Allah

Whoever turns to anyone other than Allah, Allah will leave his/her matters to that other person. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.

11. Don't Be Pretentious 

Don't pretend to be Allah's friend while being His enemy in secret. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.365.

12. Going through a Deed

If you are confused about entering a deed, you'll be desperate in coming out of it.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.364.

13. Receiving Affection

You receive affection through gaining three characteristics; being fair in your relations, sympathizing [with others] in their hardship and happiness, and keeping your heart unstained [from sins]. 

Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.139.

14. A Mischievous Person

Avoid befriending a mischievous person, since he/she is like a bare blade whose look is alluring, while its impact [wound] is hideous. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p.198.

15. Generosity 

The good that generous people do for others benefits them more than the ones in need of help since its reward, honor, and reputation belong to them. Therefore, any favor that one does first benefits him/herself. So he/she shouldn't expect to be gratified for what he/she has done. 

Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.137.

16. Sincerity 

The best worship is sincerity in [intention]. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir , vol.2, p.109.

17. Listening to Someone

When you listen to a speaker, you have turned into his/her slave (follower); if the speaker's words are directed toward Allah Almighty, the listener has glorified Allah, and if his/her words are directed toward Satan, the listener has worshipped Satan.

 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.434.

18. Being Thankful 

The blessing, which is not gratified, is like a sin, which has not forgiven. 

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.

19. Relying on a Mischievous Person

The least punishment of the one who relies on a mischievous person is being deprived of his/her aspiration.

Aziz Allah, Atarodi, Mosnad Imam al-Jawad (AS), p.248.

20. Unwise Words

Unwise words cause many disputes.

 Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.

21. Piety

If you stay pious despite being in a chaotic situation, Allah will bestow His mercy upon you and show you a way out.

Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.

22. Death

Death is like your sleep at night, except that the fatal sleep is longer, and you won't wake up from it until the Day of Judgement.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.3, p.134. 

23. Hope

The needs are requested by hope and answered by divine will. Undoubtedly, the best blessing is well-being.  

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.

24. Your Trustee and Guardian

The one whom Allah is his/her trustee and guardian will never go astray or get disappointed. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.

25. Salvation

Whoever desires Allah will surely be saved. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.

26. Foresight

Unexpected incidents and calamities will devour the one who lacks foresight.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.340.

27. Blaming People

Blaming people without any evidence or reason causes anger and distress, and they will never forgive you for this.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.71, p.181.

28. Your Daughter's Suitor

If you are sure about the piety, faith, and trustworthiness of your daughter's suitor, agree to his request; otherwise, it will lead to great misfortune and ruin. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.347.

29. The Ignorant

There will be no dispute among people if the ignorant remain silent.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.

30. Consider Different Aspects of a Task

Whoever accepts and submits [to a task, command, etc.] without considering its different aspects, has exposed him/herself to destruction and distress. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 364.

31.  Dependence and Independence 

People will be dependent on the one who, by relying on Allah, considers himself independent. And the pious will naturally be favored by people even if they aren't pious themselves. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 79.

32. Learning

Strive in gaining knowledge and wisdom, and know that learning is obligatory (Wajib) and discussing [what has been learned] is recommended (Mustahab).

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.

33. Imam Jawad (AS) Knowledge 

Knowledge is the means of helping friends and relatives, the reason for and sign of fairness, a gift and means of entertainment in gatherings, the human's companion in travel, and one's mate in lonely times. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.

34. Modesty and Humility 

Modesty and humility are the adornments of knowledge and wisdom.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.

35. Politeness 

Politeness and being good-natured are signs of reason and forbearance.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.

36. Patience, Poverty, Impulses

Rely on patience in all your life, see poverty as your companion, and stand against your whims and impulses. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 358.  

37. Prayer (Salat)

One should perform prayer (Salat) in a modest manner. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p. 131.

38. Repentance

The conditions for your repentance to be accepted by Allah are feeling regret at heart, asking for forgiveness by the tongue, compensating for your mistakes, and being determined not to commit those sins again. 

Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.349.  

39. Two Kinds of Knowledge 

There are two kinds of knowledge; one is heard, and the other is practiced [besides being heard]. There is no use in the knowledge that is heard but not practiced. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.

 40. Injustice

The one who does an injustice, the one who participates in it, and the one who is content with it all have a share in it.  

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.



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