The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5004

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Faith has seventy odd branches and modesty (Al-Haya') is a branch of faith."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from the Sunan an-Nasa'i reveals the comprehensive nature of faith (iman), which encompasses numerous aspects of belief, words, and actions. The "seventy odd branches" indicates the vastness and completeness of faith, covering all dimensions of a Muslim's life.

Al-Haya' (modesty) is singled out as a fundamental branch of faith, demonstrating its crucial importance in Islamic teachings. Classical scholars explain that haya' is not merely shyness or embarrassment, but a comprehensive moral quality that prevents one from committing disgraceful acts and abandoning duties toward Allah and His creation.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali comments that haya' is of two types: natural modesty that Allah places in human nature, and acquired modesty through knowledge of Allah and His majesty. Both types strengthen faith and protect the believer from sin.

Al-Nawawi explains that the branches of faith include both inward beliefs and outward actions, with the highest branch being the declaration "La ilaha illallah" and the lowest being removing harmful objects from the path. Modesty occupies a central position among these branches as it serves as a guardian for many other virtues.

Scholarly Insights

The scholars have enumerated the seventy-plus branches to include: belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree; acts of worship like prayer, fasting, and charity; moral virtues like honesty, patience, and gratitude; and social responsibilities like honoring parents and maintaining kinship ties.

Modesty is particularly significant because, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said in another narration: "Every religion has a distinctive character, and the distinctive character of Islam is modesty." Thus, haya' serves as both a manifestation and protection of one's faith.