al-Hayaa(Shyness)

Ibn Rajab on Hayaa’
(Source: Jaami’ al-‘Uloom wal-Hikam)

Abu Mas’ood al-Badri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said:

“One of the sayings of the early Prophets which the people have got is: If you don’t feel ashamed (from Hayaa’: pious shyness from committing religious indiscretions), do whatever you like.” [Recorded by al-Bukhaari in Kitaab al-Aadab (no. 6120)]

Explanation of the Hadeeth

The Prophet’s (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) saying: “One of the sayings of the early Prophets which the people have got,” indicates that this was said by the previous Prophets; that people narrated it generation after generation, and that it remained known until it reached this nation.

The Prophet’s (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) saying: “If you don’t feel ashmed (from Hayaa’: pious shyness from committing religious indiscretions), do whatever you like,” may be interpreted in two ways:

The First: It does not mean that one should do whatever he likes, but said as a way of prohibition.

The Second: It means that if the thing you intend to do is not condemned by Allah or people because it is an act of worship, is of good morals or a recommended manner, then do whatever you want.

The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) considered Hayaa’ to be a part of faith. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar said: “Once Allah’s Messenger passed by an Ansaari (man) who was admonishing his brother regarding Hayaa’ as if he was saying that Hayaa’ caused harm to him.” At that Allah’s Messenger said: ‘Leave him as Hayaa’ is a part of faith.'” [Recorded by al-Bukhaari in Kitaab al-Eemaan (no. 24) and Muslim in Kitaab al-Eemaan (no. 36/59)]

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said: “And Hayaa’ (this word covers a large number of concepts which are to be take together, amongst which are self-respect, modesty, bashfulness, and scruples, etc. Its predominant meaning is pious shyness from committing religious indiscretions) is a part of faith.” [Recorded by al-Bukhaari in Kitaab al-Eemaan (no. 9) and Muslim in Kitaab al-Eemaan (no. 35/57)]

‘Imraan bin al-Husayn reported that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said: “Hayaa’ does not bring anything except good.” In a narration by Imaam Muslim, the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said: “Hayaa’ is all good.” [Recorded by Imaam Ahmad in al-Musnad (no. 4/206) and an-Nisaa’ee in al-Kubra (no. 4/416)]

Types of Hayaa’

Hayaa’ is divided into two types:

The First: Habitual and non-aquired Hayaa’ which is one of the best characteristics that Allah gives as a gift to His slave. For this reason, the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said: “Hayaa’ does not bring anything except good.” This type of Hayaa’ restrains man from bad deeds and immorality and, instead, urges the Muslim to adopt good manners. For this reason, it is one of the pillars of faith.

‘Umar bin al-Khattaab said: “The person who has Hayaa’ hides himself from people and whoever hides himself from people is a pious man. A pious man will be saved from Hellfire.”

The Second: Hayaa’ which is aquired by knowing Allah, His Greatness, and that He is near His creatures and knows their inner and outer affairs. This is the highest pillar of faith and Ihsaan. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said to a man: “Be shy before Allah as you will be shy before a righteous man in your family.” [Recorded by at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer (no. 8/228)]

Ibn Mas’ood reported that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said: “Hayaa’ is to take care of one’s head and its mind, the belly and its contents, and remember death and decay (after it). Whoever wants the Hereafter should abandon the adornments of this world. Whoever does all this is shy before Allah.” [Recorded by at-Tirmidhee in Kitaab Sifat al-Qiyaamah (no. 2458) and Imaam Ahmad in al-Musnad (no. 1/3807)]

Hayaa’ may arise from noticing the many graces of Allah and that a person is unable to thank Him for them. If a worshipper is deprived of acquired and habitual Hayaa’, nothing will prevent him from committing obscene conduct and evil deeds, and he wil become a faithless person.

The commendable Hayaa’ in the Prophet’s saying is that morality urges a person to perform good deeds and abstain from evil. Weakness and an inability which may lead to non-perfect performance of Allah’s commands, are not considered as Hayaa’. Instead, they are traits of weakness, inability and humility. Allah knows best.