The Book of Faith - Sahih Muslim 35a

"Iman has over seventy branches, and modesty is a branch of Iman."

Exposition of the Hadith

This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim establishes that faith (Iman) is not a singular entity but comprises numerous branches and aspects. The number seventy signifies multiplicity rather than a precise enumeration, indicating the comprehensive nature of faith that permeates all aspects of a believer's life.

The highest branch is the declaration "La ilaha illallah" (There is no god but Allah), while the lowest branch involves removing harmful objects from pathways. Between these exist various degrees of faith encompassing beliefs, worship, moral conduct, and social interactions.

The Station of Modesty (Al-Haya)

Modesty (al-haya) is singled out as a fundamental branch of faith because it serves as a protective barrier against indecency and immoral conduct. True modesty stems from consciousness of Allah's perpetual observation, preventing the believer from committing what displeases the Almighty.

As Imam Nawawi explains in his commentary, modesty is of two types: natural disposition and acquired through faith. The latter is praiseworthy as it restrains one from forbidden matters and encourages virtuous conduct. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Every religion has a distinctive character, and the distinctive character of Islam is modesty."

Scholarly Insights

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali elucidates that faith's branches encompass beliefs of the heart, utterances of the tongue, and actions of the limbs. The inclusion of modesty demonstrates that inner qualities and moral dispositions are integral to complete faith.

Al-Qadi 'Iyad emphasizes that this hadith establishes the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings, where faith governs both inward states and outward actions. The branches vary in merit, yet each contributes to the perfection of one's faith.