Hayaa

The Evidence of True Imaan and The Highest Decree of Women

HADITH

The Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"Whatever contains vulgarity is made ugly by it, and whatever contains modesty is made beautiful by it.''

"Modesty and being at a loss for words are two components of true faith, while vulgarity and long-windedness are two components of hypocrisy."

"Modesty is of faith, and faith is in Paradise. Vulgarity is of rudeness, and rudeness is in Hell."


WHAT IS HAYAA?

Hayaa may be interpreted as “morality", “modesty” or “shyness.” It is a natural trait which is part of human nature. It serves to restrain a person from all indecent and immoral acts. In fact, in the terminology of the Shari'ah it is used in a much wider sense. It represents a feeling that is intolerant of all sin and makes a person react with disgust when confronted with the prospect of sinning.

However, if one continuously defies the dictates of Hayaa and indulges in wrongful actions, this natural quality gradually withers away and eventually may even be totally lost. This is the point where a human being stoops to the level that the Qur’an describes in the words:

"they are nothing but like animals, nay they are worse!" (Surah 7: Ayat 179)

The fundamental importance of Hayaa in Islam can be further gauged from the following Ahadith:

Zaid bin Talha RA reports that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Every creed has a distinguishing quality, and the distinctive quality of Islam is modesty." (Ibn Majah)

Rasulullah SAW has also declared Hayaa as a branch of Imaan. In yet another Hadith it is reported that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Hayaa is a part of Imaan and Imaan leads to Jannah. But obscenity stems from the hardness of the heart and the hardness of the heart leads to Hell." (Tirmidhi)

Furthermore, Rasulullah SAW has warned:

"Hayaa and Imaan exist together. When one of them is removed, the other is also removed." (Baihaqi)

Hayaa is thus a praised habit. It prevents its owner from doing something wrong. This is among the reasons as to why the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"Shyness does not bring anything except good."

As previously mentioned, the Prophet SAW has explained that Hayaa is a component of Imaan.

Abu Hurairah RA narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"Imaan consists of more than sixty branches or parts, and Hayaa is a part of faith."

One story describes the Prophet SAW passing by a man who was criticising someone of his shyness. Upon observing this, the Prophet SAW told the man to leave him because Hayaa is part of Imaan.

Gathering from all the aforementioned Ahadith so far, we can thus gather that Hayaa is related with Akhlaq (character), and Hayaa signifies moral uprightness and virtuous behaviour. Expanding this further, the classical scholar, Ibn Qayyim RA stated that Hayaa is a part of life; and depending on how much Hayaa the heart possesses, that Hayaa will reflect how much moral character an individual has.


THE TWO MAIN FORMS OF HAYAA

Hayaa is practised between a servant and his Rabb (Lord), when the servant shows shyness for his Rabb, especially in committing any form of act attributed to disobedience.
Also, Hayaa may be evident between a person and other people.


HAYAA WITH ALLAH SWT

The Hayaa between a servant and his/her Lord has been explained in one Hadith whereby the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"Be shy of Allah as you should truly be shy."

The Sahabah RA responded:

"We are shy (of Allah), O Prophet of Allah (SAW)."

The Prophet SAW then explained:

"It is much more than that. He who is truly shy of Allah, let him preserve his head and what it perceives, let him preserve his stomach and what it desires, let him remember death and afflictions, and he who desires the Hereafter abandons the adornments of this world. He who performs all these, is the one who is shy of Allah as he should be."

In another Hadith, the Prophet SAW is narrated to have said:

"He who is shy of Allah, Allah Ta'ala is also shy of him."

This refers to the quality of Allah, that Allah SWT is shy for that slave of His who has endeavoured in all avenues whole-heartedly to obtain Allah's Pleasure, and will not be reluctant to grant him/her Forgiveness, to accept his/her supplications and a sublime reward for his/her obedience.

Thus the shyness between Allah and his servant, is the shyness of honour, generosity and sublimity, because Allah Almighty is shy to refuse his/her servant when he/she raises his/her hands in Du'a (supplication).

A person who is shy of Allah, abandons what is forbidden in every situation whether in the presence or absence of people.

This Hayaa is the shyness of worship and the Fear of Allah Almighty, and it can only be acquired by knowing Allah, His Greatness, His Nearness to His servants and His Knowledge of what is open and being kept hidden and secret.

This form of Hayaa is of the highest form of not only Imaan, but also of Ihsaan. In a famous Hadith narrated by Saiyidina Umar ibn Al Khattab RA, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"Ihsaan is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not, yet truly He sees you."


HAYAA BETWEEN FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS

As for the shyness between an individual and other people, it is that which prevents that person from committing a wrong, and thus hates people witnessing his/her feeling of humiliation and guilt.

Also, one who is shy of people, must refrain from disgraceful habits, wicked deeds and sayings. He/she does not swear, nor slander or backbite, nor publicise his/her sins - let them be in a boastful manner or in the form of regret.

A true Muslim's shyness of Allah protects him/her from his/her wickedness internally, and his/her shyness of people protects from his/her wickedness externally. Hence the person becomes both internally and externally righteous, in secret as well as in public affairs, and this is how Hayaa becomes a part of true faith - true Imaan.


THE LOWLY RANK OF HAVING NO HAYAA

Without having Hayaa, there remains nothing that would prevent a person from having a wicked character in doing evil, and that person becomes as if he/she has no Imaan.

This is infact stated in a Hadith narrated by Abu Mas'ud Al Ansaari RA whereby the Prophet SAW said:

"Among the words people obtained from the First Prophecy are: 'If you feel no shame, then (you will not be hesitant to) do as you wish'."

Abdullah ibn Abbas RA said as per advice from Rasulullah SAW that:

"Hayaa and Imaan are equally in rank and merit, and that if Hayaa is lost then Imaan usually follows."

The above indicates that - that persopn who loses Hayaa, loses that which prevents him/her from doing evil deeds, followed by not fearing the Haraam or the guilt.


LACK OF HAYAA BRINGS ABOUT THE WRATH OF ALLAH SWT

Thus the emphasis that Islam has laid on this vitally important natural trait is self-evident. The reason for such great emphasis is that - when Hayaa is lost, the door is flung open for the departure of all values attributed to Imaan. Immorality then becomes the norm. Infact, Immorality is one of the main social problems we are experiencing today. Let alone social problems, abandoning Hayaa is the recipe to draw down the wrath of Allah SWT.

Abdullah bin Abbas RA reports that Rasulullah SAW said:

"When zina (fornication) and the indulgence in interest become rife in a community, then they have drawn down the wrath of Allah Ta’ala upon themselves." (Hakim)

When Saiyidina Abu Bakr As-Siddiq RA was appointed as the Khalifah (leader of Muslims), he delivered a sermon wherein he said:

"...and immorality does not spread in a nation but that Allah Ta'ala engulfs them with calamities." (Hayatus Sahabah)

Thus the diagnosis of the problems that are engulfing us has already been made by Rasulullah SAW. To protect ourselves and the Ummah, we will have to once again adopt Hayaa with great urgency and importance.

In short, we will have to adopt the lifestyle of the Qur’an and the Sunnah in its true spirit in order to be successful in this world and the Hereafter.


THE ALARMING STATE OF NEGLIGENCE IN HAYAA NOWADAYS

We live in a time where Hayaa has disappeared in the majority of people, a lot of abominable and disgusting ways and actions have materialised in the society - especially amongst women.
Among the disappearing signs of Hayaa in women today are the disgraceful displaying of women almost half naked, and not covering their adornment and modesty, by wearing perfume and thereby showing no shame in mixing freely with men, shaking hands in a proud and undignified manner.

Men and women without shame - listen and play music, watch shameful, disgusting movies in front of their wives and children without any hint of dignity. This in turn excites and arouses sexual desires, demolishes moral codes of conduct and paves the way for detestable and rebellious behaviour and deeds.

Where is the Hayaa in those people who abandon their children to the lost and lustful life of the streets by allowing them to mix with strangers of wicked and insubordinate character?
Where is the Hayaa, the shyness in the smoker who exhales smoke from his mouth into the faces of those sitting in his company, thereby spreading the stench of bad breathe and harmful odours?

Because the above is widely spread, such practices are considered normal, and far from regretted in this day and age. A true Muslim will be hesitant to smoke in front of anyone, just as he/she is hesitant to smoke in front of Rasulullah SAW.

It is the absence of Hayaa that causes people to be reduced to the lowest of lows, confirming to what the Prophet SAW said:

"If you feel no shame, then (you will not be hesitant to) do as you wish."

Allah SWT states in the Qur'an, in Surah Al-Mulk:

"Verily! Those who fear their Rabb unseen - they do not see Him, nor His Punishment in the Hereafter, theirs will be Forgiveness and a great Reward. " (Surah Al-Mulk: Ayat 12)

"And whether you keep your talk secret or disclose it, verily, He is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts of men." (Surah Al-Mulk: Ayat 13)

"Should He not know what He Created? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous to His slaves, All Aware of everything." (Surah Al-Mulk: Ayat 14)

Let us know that the praised Hayaa is that which prevents its owner from sinful morals and generates him/her to do admirable actions and deeds.


THE "HAYAA" WHICH IS CONDEMNED

As for the Hayaa which prevents its owner from acquiring what he/she needs in matters regarding Religion and this Worldly Life, is the Hayaa that is completely and utterly condemned.
A true Believer is not shy in saying a word of truth, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.

A true Believer is also not shy to ask about matters pertaining to his/her Religion.
We must remember the Hayaa which encourages the person in doing a good deed and saying the truth, is in reality a disappointment to Shaytaan.

We ask Allah Almighty for forgiveness in anything we may have done that transgressed our duty. To make our hearts firm on His Religion and make our lives end with the True faith. To help and guide us and to give us the ability to learn and understand His True Religion. To apply it throughout our daily lives, and to preach it to others, and grant us His Mercy in this world as well as in the Hereafter.

The Demise of Hajjaj bin Yusuf

Among the high officials of the Umayyad Caliphate, no one has acquired more fame than Hajjaj bin Yusuf. However, this fame was not acquired because of his generosity, but for his oppression. The tyranny of Hajjaj has become very famous in history.

The Umayyad Caliphate was badly shaken after the death of Yazid bin Muawiyah, but it was Hajjaj bin Yusuf who took over from this falling empire and strengthened them. The greatest threat to this empire was from the Companion of the Prophet Muhammad SAW - Abdullah bin Zubair RA who was based in Makkah but his rule extended to the border of Syria . Hajjaj with his oppression laid siege to Makkah and killed Abdullah bin Zubair RA without any mercy on him.

Hajjaj alone executed 125,000 men. He beheaded leaders like Sa'id bin Zubair RA. He put prominent scholars, who were more importantly - the Noble Companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW - like Abdullah bin Umar RA and Abdullah bin Zubair RA to death.

Before being executed, Sa'id bin Zubair RA told Hajjaj bin Yusuf:

"Now you will not be able to set out for anyone."

On this saying of Said bin Zubair RA, Hajjaj bin Yusuf passed away within fifteen nights. Even the learned and the peaceful men of that era looked upon Hajjaj as a calamity and curse sent down by Allah Almighty.

The grand Tabi'in - Hasan Basri RA used to say:

"Hajjaj is a calamity sent by Allah; do not try to remove him by force, but ask Allah Ta'ala."

Therefore, the moment the news of the death of Hajjaj was reported, Hasan Basri RA and Umar bin Abdul Aziz RA fell in sujud (prostration) to Allah and exclaimed:

"The Fir'aun (Pharaoh) of this nation is no more!"

We may now observe at how this tyrant ruler faced death.

After twenty years of rule over Iraq, Hajjaj bin Yusuf fell ill at the age of fifty-four. His stomach was infested by innumerable vermin. The temperature of his body decreased and he felt so intensely cold that several stoves were place close to him and yet he gained no relief.

When Hajjaj had lost all hopes of survival, he said to the members of his household:

"Prop me up and assemble the people."

When the people arrived, he pleaded guilty to his sins and tyrannies. He gave a speech and emphasised on the fact that of which he dwelt on death and its severities.

The following sayings came from his tongue:

"The weight of my sins is as the weight of the sky and the earth,

Yet I hope that Allah will show me Mercy.

If He favours me with His pleasure,

It will be the fulfilment of my hope.

But should He do justice,

He would condemn me to torture.

It will be no injustice.

Is it possible that Allah be unjust from whom nothing but Allah has anticipated!"


Hajjaj bin Yusuf then burst into tears and this scene moved in the whole assembly to tears.

As Hajjaj bin Yusuf was passing away, he raised his tearful eyes to Heaven, pleading:

"O Allah! Grant me salvation, for people say You will not forgive me."

He then recited the following:

"Lord! The people give me no hope, though I repose much hope in you."

So saying this he closed his eyes.


When this saying was quoted before Hasan Basri RA, he was extremely suprised and asked:

"Did he really say this?"

The people replied

"Yes, Hajjaj actually said so."

Thereupon Hasan Basri RA said:

"Then perhaps he may be forgiven."


The above story, which has been adapted from Seerah during the time of the Ummayad Caliphate depicts the vast Mercy of Allah SWT. If Allah SWT wishes to forgive, then nothing can stop Allah. Our intentions in our commitment to abide by the Laws of Allah SWT should be for the sake of pleasing Allah Almighty; and in this endeavour, we must truly funnel our full effort to abide. We do not know what small thing we do, that brings about the Wrath of Allah SWT; and we do not know what small thing we do that brings about the Mercy of Allah. Allah SWT is the Most Merciful out of those capable of showing mercy.

Am I A Mu'min ?

It has remained the way of Allah that whenever a nation was to become corrupt, Allah would send a Prophet from amongst them who would show them the right path. Allah SWT sent many Messengers into this world and many Prophets. The Last Messenger who was sent onto the face of this world is our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW. He was given the Qur'an. The Qur'an was given to the Prophet Muhammad SAW for an important reason -

Guidance for Mankind and Jinnkind.

Allah SWT says in the Qur'an:

"This is the book in which there is no doubt, it is the guidance for those who fear Allah."

Therefore - the Qur'an is a means of guidance for those who fear Allah.

Who are the God-fearing ?

Allah SWT defines this in the Qur'an:

"Those who believe in the Unseen and are steadfast in Solat and spend out of what We have provided for them."

So this is the sign and proof of those who have Imaan. Allah Ta'ala has described a God-fearing person as one who possesses the above three qualities which have been mentioned above. When a person possesses three such qualities, he/she will become a true and complete Believer.

Having strong faith in the Unseen plays a major role in the heart, and this is called Imaan.

Performing Solat and spending from what Allah has provided is from the actions of a Muslim.

When a person has firm belief in Allah and the Unseen, and then goes on to perform good deeds, then only he becomes a true Muslim. A Mu'min.

From the Qur'an and Hadith, we have many qualities and attributes possessed by a Mu’min. Several of many are described below so that we all take them as guidance and guidelines in our pursuit to reach the station of being a Mu'min.

First of all, Allah SWT mentions in the Qur'an:

"Successful indeed are the Believers."

Allah SWT then continues and mentions those who are successful Believers.

Allah SWT says:

"Those who offer their Solat with all solemnity and full submissiveness. And those who turn away from Laghw (dirty, false, evil vein talk, falsehood and all that Allah has forbidden). And those who pay Zakaat. And those who guard their chastity. Except from their wives or that their right hands possess (slaves), for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, those are the transgressors."

"Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat (all the duties which Allah has ordained. honesty, moral responsibility and trusts) and to their covenants. And those who strictly guard their five compulsory congregational Solat. These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever."

Allah SWT has mentioned Solat and Zakat which is obligatory for a Muslim to perform. These qualities have already been mentioned previously.

Here Allah Ta'ala also says:

"And those who turn away from Laghw (all that has been forbidden /vain talk) ."

Allah Ta'ala has made it clear that a Mu’min is that person who refrains from sin. This is because when a person commits a sin he is either:

1. Engaged in other than the Remembrance of Allah.

2. Is going against the Orders of Allah.

Many a time, it is better to stay quiet because one will save himself from sin, e.g. backbiting, evil vain talk, falsehood etc.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW has stated:

"One who kept silent saves himself."

However, there is a very important point that needs to be mentioned. When there is a gathering or a conversation in which one is backbiting, it is necessary that we stop this action. Why? Because we have been ordered to prevent evil. However, in such circumstances where one does not stop backbiting, it will become necessary that one walks away from such gatherings or conversations.

In another Hadith, our Prophet Muhammed SAW has said:

"Part of someone being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him."

Allah SWT also mentions in the Qur'anic verses:

"And those who guard their chastity"

Allah SWT further mentions:

"Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat and their covenant."

An easy remedy for guarding one's chastity and to be faithful to one's amanat, his covenants and promises is to have the quality of Hayaa (modesty and shame). This is simply because, when a person possesses such a quality, it will automatically stop him from committing such sins like adultery, theft and lies. He will think to himself that if tomorrow I am exposed, then what will people think of me ? Shame and modesty is such a vital article of Imaan that is why our Prophet Muhammad SAW mentioned Hayaa (modesty) separately in another Hadith which is mentioned in Sahih Al-Bukhari:

"Imaan is made up of 60 and 9 sectors and modesty is a sector of Imaan."

Another Hadith is narrated by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim:

"A true Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims stay safe."

Here, our most beloved Prophet SAW mentioned the tongue first. The scholars of Hadith have mentioned that there could be several reasons for this. One reason is that it is very easy to harm someone with the tongue. One person may say something which another person may not like. The second reason is the harm caused by the tongue is usually more severe than the harm caused by the hand. A person finds it difficult to forgive someone who is hurt their feelings more than someone who is actually hurt them physically. The wound of the body caused by a sharp object may heal but the wound in the heart caused by the tongue may be very difficult to properly heal. Thus - when a person safeguards his hands and tongue, only then will he/she become a true Muslim.

Thus, we need to save ourselves from becoming a source of harm for others, and we need to adopt those good attributes into our lives which the Prophet Muhammad SAW brought to us, and which his Companions RA adopted into their lives, which then became a means of their success in this world and the everlasting Hereafter.

It is also important to know that it is also Haraam to cause inconvenience to other Muslims. This is also a trait of a true Believer. He/she will not cause inconvenience to others.

Our Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"The most perfect Believer is the one with the best manners."

The Prophet of Allah SAW had the best characteristics and manners and through this, many non-Muslims converted to Islam just by looking at the actions of the Prophet SAW. Therefore, we learn that good manners and good character has a great impact on other people.

Another narration goes:

"Verily the Believer - because of his good character attains the stage of the fasting one and one who stands in prayer during the night."

A part of good manners is caring and sharing. Most importantly with our neighbours and guests.

The following Hadith explains just one of many injunctions of the rights of neighbours:

"That person will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not safe from his mischief."

As to showing manners and being generous to our guests, our Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"Whosoever brings faith in Allah and on the Last Day should be generous to his guest."

It is a great bounty that we have so many of our Prophet Muhammad SAW's sayings in front of us which we can act upon. In the same way, we also have the Noble Qur'an, the Words of our Master and The Creator.

Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an:

"And the servants of the All-Compassionate-One walk on the earth with humility and when the ignorant people speak to them they respond with peace offerings."

Here, Allah Ta'ala is mentioning the true servants of Allah and the special slaves who will be rewarded with the highest place in Paradise.

Further below are just some of many translated verses of the Qur'an which will help us to understand the qualities of a Mu'min which all of us should possess:

SURAH AL-FURQAN: AYAT 64 ~ 77

"And those who spend the night in worship of their Lord, prostrate and standing."

"And those who say - 'Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily, its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment."

"Evil indeed it is as an abode and as a place to rest in."

"And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)."

"And those who invoke not any other God along with Allah, nor kill such person as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment."

"The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace."

"Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic monotheism), and righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."

"And whosoever repents and does righteous good deeds, then verily, he repents towards Allah with true repentance."

"And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity."

"And those who, when they are reminded of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations etc) of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind there at."

"And those who say, 'Our Lord!’ Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of all the Muttaqun (the pious).' "

"Those who will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect."

"Abiding therein, excellent it is as an abode, and as a place to rest in."

"Say (O Muhammad SAW to the disbelievers): My Lord pays attention to you only because of your invocation to him. But now you have indeed denied (Him). So the torment will be yours forever (inseparable, permanent punishment)."

In the closing verses of this Surah, Allah Ta'ala mentions the quality, significance and effect of supplicating and repenting towards Allah.

Allah SWT mentions in another chapter of the Holy Qur'an:

SURAH AL-BAQARAH: AYAT 222

"Truly Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves."

In another set of verses of the Holy Qur'an, Allah SWT mentions in favour of those who repent:

SURAH AL-GHAFIR: AYATS 7 ~ 9

"That those (angels) who bear the throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the oneness of Allah) (saying): 'Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow your way, and save them from the torment of the blazing fire!' "

"Our Lord! And make them enter the Eden Paradise (everlasting garden) which you have promised them and to the righteous among their fathers, their wives and their offspring! Verily, you are the Almighty, the All Wise."

"And save them from (the punishment for what they did of) the sins, and whomsoever you save from the sins (i.e pardon him) that day. Verily, you have taken him in mercy. And that is the supreme success."

Our Prophet Muhammad SAW has stated:

"Supplication (du'a) is the essence of worship."

Why? This is due to two main reasons. First, by supplicating to Allah, a person fulfils his obligation of calling on Allah, which is understood from the verse:

"And your Lord says, 'Call on me, I will answer you (your prayer).' " (Surah 24, Ayat 60)

This is worship in its purest form. Secondly, by invoking Allah, one realises that ONLY Allah can fulfil ones needs. The servant who calls upon his Lord abandons hope in everything else and turns his full attention to Allah, humbling in front of Allah. This is the essence of worship. Another desired result of worship is to attain reward from Allah, because there is such great a reward in supplication; it has been called the essence of worship.