Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “Faith has over seventy branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but God, and the humblest of which is the removal of what is injurious from the road. And modesty is a branch of faith.”(Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Comprehensive Nature of Faith
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih and authenticated by Bukhari and Muslim, reveals the all-encompassing nature of faith (iman). It demonstrates that faith is not merely a state of heart, but a comprehensive reality that manifests through numerous branches and actions.
The Seventy-Plus Branches
The number "over seventy" indicates abundance rather than a precise count, showing faith's vast scope encompassing beliefs, actions, words, and moral qualities. These branches vary in rank and importance, yet all are connected to the root of faith.
The Highest Branch: Tawhid
The declaration "La ilaha illa Allah" (There is no god but God) represents the foundation of Islamic monotheism. This testimony encapsulates the essence of faith - complete submission to God's oneness and lordship. It is the highest branch because all other acts of worship depend upon its validity.
The Humblest Branch: Removing Harm
Removing harmful objects from pathways may seem insignificant, yet the Prophet elevated it to an act of faith. This teaches us that even small acts of kindness and public service are manifestations of genuine faith. It demonstrates Islam's concern for communal welfare and the integration of faith with daily life.
Modesty as Faith
The inclusion of modesty (haya) as a branch of faith shows how moral character is intrinsically linked to belief. True modesty stems from awareness of God's presence, preventing one from committing shameful acts. It serves as both a protection for the individual and a benefit to society.
Practical Implications
This hadith teaches that faith encompasses everything from the highest spiritual realities to the simplest acts of social responsibility. It eliminates the artificial separation between "religious" and "worldly" acts, showing that all good deeds performed with proper intention become acts of worship that strengthen one's faith.