Haya (Arabic: هيا) is an Arabic word derived from the word hayat, which means life. This term covers a wide number of concepts. In English, it may be translated as modesty, shyness, self-respect, bashfulness, shame, honor, humility, etc. The original meaning of haya refers to a bad and uneasy feeling accompanied by embarrassment, caused by one’s fear of being exposed for some unworthy or indecent conduct. Islamically, haya is an attribute which encourages believers to avoid anything distasteful.
The Prophet (SAW) said, “Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya is a part of faith.”
The Prophet (saw) passed by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding Haya and was saying, “You are very shy, and I am afraid that might harm you.”
On that, Allah’s Apostle (SAW) said, “Leave him, for Haya is (a part) of Faith.”
There are two different types of haya—the good haya and the bad. The good haya is to be ashamed to commit a sin or a thing which Allah and His Messenger (saw) has forbidden. The bad haya is to feel ashamed to do a thing which Allah and His Messenger (saw) has ordered us to do.
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘If you have no shame, do as you wish.’" (al-Bukhari)
Modesty (haya) and maintaining one’s honor and dignity are of primary importance in preserving the moral fiber of any society. This is why modesty has been called the ornament of a woman, which protects her from many sins and which prevents ill-intentioned men from daring to have bad thoughts about her. This haya has been made a part of hernature to safeguard her from being abused by immoral men.
“Every way of life has a innate character. The character of Islam is haya.”
Modesty for Muslim Men and Women
While modest behavior varies from person to person, guidelines do exist in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The code of modesty for both men and women includes:
Lowering the gaze and avoiding flirtatious speech and conduct;
Avoiding close physical contact with unrelated members of the opposite sex;
Observing modest or Islamic dress according to the Qur’an and Sunnah;
Not drawing unnecessary attention to oneself.
“Surely Allah (is One who) has haya and is the Protector. He loves haya and people who cover each other’s faults.”
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