A Call for Haya

Haya is far more than a personal virtue; it is the moral compass, keeping it intact is important individually as well as for the betterment of overall society. When Haya fades, it not only changes behaviour, but also disrupts psychological balance and spiritual well-being, proving that its impact is felt longer before it is ever seen.

Haya (modesty) is a fundamental quality of a true believer that shapes moral character, restrains a person from indecency, and enhances both individual behaviour and the overall beauty of society, as emphasized in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.”

Haya (Modesty)

Haya is a natural human feeling that prevents a person from engaging in immoral behaviour and wrongdoing. A person who possesses Haya dislikes evil actions, inappropriate speech, and bad conduct. It acts as an inner moral compass that guides a person toward purity, respect, and righteousness. Our prophet PBUH emphasized Haya in his teachings. He PBUH never talk indecent and hundreds of hadeeths are highlighting its significance.

Hadith about Haya

The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of Haya in many sayings:

• “Haya is a part of faith.”
• “Every religion has a distinct characteristic, and the characteristic of Islam is Haya.”
• “If you feel no shame, then do whatever you wish.”

These hadiths show that Haya is not just a social behaviour but a core element of faith and spirituality in Islam.

Hadith of Abdullah ibn Masud

He reported that the Prophet Muhammad said:
“A true believer is not one who taunts others, nor one who curses, nor one who uses obscene language, nor one who engages in indecent or vulgar talk, nor one who is foul-mouthed.”

Hadith of Anas ibn Malik

He reported that the Prophet Muhammad said:
“Indecency, whenever it is found in something, makes it defective and ugly; and Haya (modesty), whenever it is found in something, makes it complete and beautiful.”

These Hadiths highlights that modesty elevates language, conduct and character whether express through speech, gaze or action, it will make uplift grace and dignity. Haya is summarized as Kheir (betterment). Haya has dominant impact on individual psychology and wellbeing; each person is impacting the society one way or the other.

Haya in Society

In society, the concept of Haya can be viewed in different ways:

• In traditional and religious societies, Haya is highly valued. It is seen as a sign of good character, dignity, and respect, especially in behaviour, dress, and speech.
• In modern societies, however, Haya is sometimes misunderstood or seen as weakness or lack of confidence. Some people prioritize freedom of expression over modesty, which can reduce the importance of Haya.
• Despite this, many communities still recognize that Haya helps maintain respect, healthy relationships, and moral boundaries. In many western cultures, people promote morals in society through Socratic Circles. This allowed for both active participation and focused observation shared personal experiences regarding modesty.

Haya has been observed throughout even in the beginning of mankind. The first attack of Shaytan (Satan) was related to Haya (modesty). This story is mentioned in Surah Al-Aaraf and Surah Taha. Shaytan misled Adam and Hawwa. As soon as they ate the fruit, their coverings were removed, and they became aware of their nakedness. They then began to cover themselves with the leaves of the trees.

Haya in History

Historically, Haya has always been considered a virtue:

• In Islamic history, companions like Uthman ibn Affan were known for their exceptional modesty. The Prophet ﷺ even said that angels felt shy in front of him due to his Haya.
• In many ancient civilizations, modesty and self-restraint were considered signs of wisdom and honour.
• Over time, cultural changes and globalization have influenced how Haya is practiced, but its core value remains important in maintaining moral discipline.

History represents the idea of being modest as performed goodness. The spiritual comfort is linked with Haya. The absence of Haya can destabilize mental well-being and moral discipline.

Haya in Psychology

From a psychological perspective, Haya (modesty) is linked to the concept of moral emotions, especially shame and self-awareness. According to Developmental Psychology, feelings of modesty develop as a person becomes aware of social norms and personal boundaries. In the story of Adam and Hawwa, their immediate reaction to cover themselves after realizing their nakedness reflects an innate sense of modesty and self-consciousness.

Psychologists also explain this through the idea of moral regulation, where feelings like shame prevent individuals from engaging in inappropriate behaviour. When Haya is present, it guides a person toward dignity and self-control; when it is weakened, individuals may become more prone to indecency and unethical actions.

Conclusion

Haya is a powerful inner quality that shapes a person’s character and performance. It protects individuals from wrongdoing and builds a respectful and ethical society. Even though its interpretation may change over time, its importance remains timeless. In today’s world it is essential to revive this innate virtue, the divine gift of modesty, that lies within us but long neglected due to heedlessness.

Top of FormHafsa Mehboob