Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Faith consists of sixty (or seventy) branches. The best of them is 'There is no god but Allah.' The lowest of them is to remove harmful things from the road. Modesty is also a branch of faith."
Hadith Commentary: The Comprehensive Nature of Faith
This profound hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 598 reveals the comprehensive nature of faith (iman) in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) describes faith not as a monolithic entity but as consisting of sixty or seventy branches, indicating its all-encompassing scope that touches upon every aspect of human life.
Hierarchy of Faith's Branches
The declaration "La ilaha illa Allah" (There is no god but Allah) represents the highest branch of faith, being the foundation of Islamic monotheism (tawhid) and the ultimate testimony of belief.
Remarkably, removing harmful objects from pathways is identified as the lowest branch, demonstrating that even seemingly mundane acts of public service and consideration for others constitute essential components of faith.
The Centrality of Modesty (Haya)
The inclusion of modesty as a branch of faith highlights its spiritual significance. Classical scholars explain that haya serves as a protective barrier against sinful behavior, reflecting the internal state of one's relationship with Allah. This quality manifests in speech, conduct, and demeanor, preserving human dignity and social harmony.
Practical Implications
This teaching emphasizes that faith encompasses both creedal affirmations and practical actions. The spiritual and mundane are interconnected in Islamic spirituality. A believer's journey involves nurturing all branches of faith - from the highest theological truths to the simplest acts of social responsibility - creating a complete, balanced spiritual personality that honors both the rights of Allah and the rights of His creation.