Hayaa’ is a part of faith ||| Hayaa’ in how we treat others

Abu Hurairah (Raji.) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Faith or belief consists of more than sixty branches or parts, and Hayaa’ is a part of faith”.

There is no true English definition of the word ‘Hayaa’’ but the closest one can get to it is shame, modesty, and bashfulness. Hayaa’ is an essential characteristic of a Muslim; it must be obtained in order to attain faith as they come together as a pair:

Abdullah ibn Umar (Raji.) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: 
“Indeed Hayaa’ and Iman are companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well.”

Hayaa’ in how we treat others 

Sometimes we can get angry, become rude, and even be judgmental. Our attitude and way of speaking is a fundamental part of Hayaa’ because the way in which we communicate and treat people is a sign of the kind of person we are and thus the level of Hayaa’ we have. It is not difficult to understand that a good person would treat others with utmost respect at all times, unless in exceptional situations, and be well-mannered and polite. Yet, how many times have we suffered from regret because of how we spoke to someone? It is time we change our manner and emulate the Prophet ﷺ who was always a kind and gentle man. It is through this change that the society around may also have the potential to transform.

In Sahih Muslim, it is reported that our beloved Prophet ﷺ said: 

“Do not think little of any good deed, even if it is just greeting your brother with a cheerful countenance.”

Further than this would be how we treat others. There are two extremes: not caring about anyone at all and caring so much that you ignore yourself. Neither of these is correct as there needs to be a balance. We should treat others well and help them wherever and whenever we can but not at the expense of our own lives and responsibilities.

As one can see, Hayaa’ is not only about ourselves but also about our interactions with those around us. If we cannot treat others well, then we have a grave defect in our Hayaa’ that enables us to adopt malicious characteristics which are good neither for enriching our souls nor for gaining Allah’s pleasure.

Author / Aamir Shamsi
Emergency Medicine Doctor in London