Clarifying the number of branches of faith, the best and the least of them, the virtue of modesty (Al-Haya') and the fact that it is part of faith — Sahih Muslim 35 b

Overview & Central Theme

This profound hadith, recorded by Imam Muslim in The Book of Faith (Sahih Muslim 35 b), delineates the comprehensive and multi-faceted nature of faith (iman). The Prophet ﷺ teaches that faith is not a monolithic concept but a living reality comprising over seventy—or sixty—branches. The highest and most excellent of these branches is the testimony of tawhid, "La ilaha illa Allah" (there is no god but Allah), while the lowest and most accessible branch is the removal of harmful objects from the path. Between these two extremes lies the entire spectrum of belief, speech, and action. The hadith concludes by identifying modesty (al-haya') as an integral branch of faith, thereby unifying the inner conviction of the heart with the outward manifestation of character. This teaching underscores the holistic nature of Islam, where the loftiest declaration of divine unity and the simplest act of civic care are both acts of worship.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The Prophet ﷺ uttered this hadith in response to a question about the definition and scope of faith, as part of a broader discourse on the characteristics of a believer. The Arabic term "shu'bah" (branch) is derived from the root shin-ba-ayn, which denotes a branch of a tree, symbolizing that faith, like a tree, has a root (conviction in the heart) and numerous branches (actions and manners). The phrase "bid'un wa sab'ūna" (over seventy) indicates a number between seventy and eighty, signifying abundance and comprehensiveness rather than a fixed enumeration. The word "afdal" (most excellent) highlights the supreme rank of the shahadah, which is the foundation of all faith. The term "adna" (humblest) refers to the lowest rank in merit, yet it remains a valid and rewarded branch. The word "adha" (injurious thing) encompasses anything that causes harm to passersby, such as thorns, stones, or obstacles. Finally, "al-haya'" (modesty) is derived from "al-hayah" (life), as modesty brings life to the soul and prevents it from committing indecent acts. Imam An-Nawawi notes that the variation between "seventy" and "sixty" is a matter of narratorial transmission, but both indicate a large, indefinite number.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• Theological benefit: Faith comprises belief (i'tiqad), speech (qawl), and action ('amal). It increases with obedience and decreases with disobedience, as affirmed by Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah. This hadith refutes the Murji'ah who exclude actions from the reality of faith.
• Jurisprudential ruling: Removing harmful objects from the path is a communal obligation (fard kifayah) when the path is public, and an individual recommended act (mustahabb) when it is private. It is a tangible expression of social responsibility and civic virtue.
• Ethical principle: Modesty (haya') is a branch of faith that restrains a person from evil and encourages noble conduct. It is not a sign of weakness but a mark of true belief, as the Prophet ﷺ said, "Modesty brings nothing but good" (Sahih al-Bukhari).

"Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 'This hadith is a great foundation in the knowledge of the branches of faith. The scholars have enumerated them, and the Prophet ﷺ has made clear that the highest is the testimony of tawhid and the lowest is the removal of harm from the path, and that modesty is a branch of faith. This indicates that faith is composed of many parts, and its perfection is attained by fulfilling all of them.'"

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

This hadith invites the believer to view every aspect of life as an opportunity to strengthen faith. Begin by nurturing the root: the sincere declaration of tawhid that permeates the heart and mind. Then, actively seek to practice the branches of faith in daily interactions—speaking truthfully, showing kindness, maintaining family ties, and performing acts of service. The lowest branch, removing harm from the path, teaches that no act of goodness is too small; clearing a stone, a piece of glass, or even a digital obstacle from others' way is an act of iman. Moreover, cultivating modesty (haya') in dress, speech, and conduct safeguards one's faith and elevates one's character. In a world of increasing incivility and moral decay, this hadith calls Muslims to be beacons of care, humility, and decency. By consciously performing both the lofty and the lowly branches of faith, the believer actualizes the comprehensive vision of Islam, transforming everyday life into a continuous act of worship and drawing closer to Allah with every step.