The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5005

"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Faith has seventy-odd branches, the most virtuous of which is La ilaha illallah (there is none worthy of worship except Allah) and the least of which is removing something harmful from the road. And modesty (Al-Haya') is a branch of faith.'"

Commentary on the Comprehensive Nature of Faith

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i demonstrates the all-encompassing nature of Iman (faith), which permeates every aspect of a believer's life. The number "seventy-odd" indicates abundance rather than a precise count, showing that faith manifests through numerous actions, statements, and beliefs.

The declaration "La ilaha illallah" represents the foundation of Tawhid (monotheism) - the highest branch of faith that encompasses correct belief, sincere worship, and pure devotion to Allah alone. This testimony forms the essence of Islamic creed.

The Spectrum of Faith's Manifestations

Removing harmful objects from pathways, though seemingly minor, demonstrates how faith extends to social responsibilities and public welfare. This teaches us that even simple acts of kindness, when performed with righteous intention, become acts of worship that strengthen faith.

The inclusion of modesty (Al-Haya') as a branch of faith highlights its spiritual significance. Classical scholars explain that Al-Haya' is not merely shyness but a comprehensive quality that prevents one from committing disgraceful acts and encourages virtuous conduct, serving as a protective barrier against sin.

Scholarly Insights on Faith's Branches

Imam Al-Bayhaqi and other traditional scholars categorized these branches into: beliefs of the heart, statements of the tongue, and actions of the limbs. This classification shows faith's integration of internal conviction, verbal affirmation, and practical implementation.

The hierarchy from most to least virtuous demonstrates that while all branches are important, they vary in spiritual weight. The Shahadah holds primacy as the gateway to Islam, while other branches maintain and perfect one's faith through comprehensive practice.