Ashajj 'Abdu'l-Qays said, "The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to me, 'You have two qualities which Allah loves.' I asked, 'What are they, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,?' He said, 'Forbearance and modesty.' I asked, 'Have I had them for a long time or are they new?' He replied, 'You have had them for a long time.' I said, 'Praise be to Allah who fashioned me with two qualities which Allah loves!'"
Hadith Commentary: The Praiseworthy Qualities
This narration from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 584 presents a profound teaching regarding two fundamental Islamic virtues: forbearance (hilm) and modesty (haya'). The Prophet's recognition of these innate qualities in Ashajj 'Abdu'l-Qays demonstrates that Allah has endowed certain individuals with natural dispositions toward excellence in character.
The Nature of Forbearance (Hilm)
Forbearance represents the capacity to restrain anger and respond to provocation with patience and wisdom. In classical scholarship, hilm is considered among the highest moral achievements, reflecting mastery over one's lower self (nafs). The scholar Ibn Qayyim described hilm as "the soul's calmness and restraint when confronted with what would normally provoke anger."
This quality enables Muslims to maintain composure in difficult situations, embodying the Quranic injunction to "repel evil with that which is better" (41:34). The Prophet's affirmation that this was an innate quality in Ashajj reminds us that while virtues can be cultivated, some individuals receive them as divine gifts from their natural disposition (fitrah).
The Essence of Modesty (Haya')
Modesty (haya') encompasses much more than mere shyness; it is a comprehensive spiritual state that prevents a person from committing disgraceful actions. Imam Ghazali defined haya' as "a quality that prompts one to avoid what is reprehensible and prevents neglect of the rights of the One who deserves them."
The Prophet declared that "every religion has its distinctive character, and the distinctive character of Islam is modesty" (Ibn Majah). This quality serves as a protective barrier against sin and a catalyst for righteous conduct. Ashajj's natural possession of this trait demonstrates how Allah prepares certain souls for righteousness from their very creation.
Scholarly Insights on Innate Virtues
Ashajj's question about whether these qualities were newly acquired or longstanding reveals an important spiritual principle: Allah creates individuals with varying natural dispositions toward virtue. Scholars explain that while all virtues can be developed through conscious effort, some people are blessed with innate tendencies toward particular excellences.
His final exclamation of praise to Allah demonstrates proper recognition that all good qualities ultimately originate from divine grace. This aligns with the Quranic teaching: "But you cannot will unless Allah wills" (76:30). The balanced understanding acknowledges both human responsibility in cultivating virtue and divine bestowal of natural capacities.
Practical Application in General Behavior
This hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad teaches Muslims to recognize and appreciate the natural virtues Allah has placed within them, while simultaneously working to strengthen them. Forbearance enables harmonious social interactions, while modesty preserves personal integrity and spiritual purity.
The contemporary Muslim should regularly assess their character, identify their natural strengths in virtue, thank Allah for them, and consciously employ them in daily life. Simultaneously, one should identify weaknesses and work diligently to improve them, following the Prophetic example of continuous moral refinement.