Hawzah News Agency | In Nahj al-Balaghah, Imam Ali, peace be upon him, addresses Harith al-Hamdani as follows:
«وَ احْذَرْ کُلَّ عَمَلٍ یُعْمَلُ بِهِ فِی السِّرِّ وَ یُسْتَحَی مِنْهُ فِی الْعَلَانِیَةِ.»
"Avoid any act that you would be ashamed of in private and in public." (Letter no. 69)
Explanation:
One of the essential teachings introduced as the "Islamic ethics" is modesty (Hayaʾ). The holy prophet, peace be upon him and his family, says:
«إنّ لِکُلِّ دِینٍ خُلُقا، و إنّ خُلُقَ الإسلامِ الحیاءُ.»
"Every religion has a defining moral characteristic, and the defining characteristic of Islam is modesty (Hayaʾ)." (Rawza al-Wa'izin, v. 2, p. 460)
In another profound narration from the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, it is stated:
«اَلْإِسْلاَمُ عُرْیَانٌ فَلِبَاسُهُ اَلْحَیَاءُ.»
"Islam is bare, and its garment is modesty." (Wasa'il al-Shia, v. 15, p. 184)
Thus, a Muslim cannot disregard this key Islamic characteristic, as neglecting it would mean they are not adorned with the garment of Islam.
What makes the concept of modesty even more delightful are the narrations that introduce the best and most beautiful forms of modesty. According to these narrations, although the highest type of modesty is having modesty in relation to Almighty God, as Imam Ali, peace be upon him, says:
«أَفْضَلُ اَلْحَیَاءِ اِسْتِحْیَاؤُکَ مِنَ اَللَّهِ.»
"The greatest modesty is having modesty before God." (Oyun al-Hikam, v. 1, p. 112)
This is because when a person refrains from committing sin in front of a child, how can they then ignore God's presence, act shamelessly, and commit that sin?
However, the most beautiful form of modesty is having modesty toward oneself. Imam Ali, peace be upon him, states:
«أَحْسَنُ اَلْحَیَاءِ اِسْتِحْیَاؤُکَ مِنْ نَفْسِکَ.»
"The most beautiful modesty is having modesty before yourself." (Ghurar al-Hikam, v. 1, p. 200)
Reflecting on this illuminating statement by Imam Ali, peace be upon him, we understand that the dignity and worth of a human being are so great that they should remember their true essence and status in the universe when faced with mistakes and transgressions. This remembrance may awaken their sense of shame and modesty toward themselves, making them more aware of their truth and position. Consequently, this self-awareness may lead them to achieve the greatest form of modesty—modesty in relation to Almighty God.
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