'Al-Hayaa' : Modesty in Islam

  

In Islam, Al-Hayaa is a noble quality that represents modesty, humility, and shame in a positive sense of the term. Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized its importance, saying: “Faith (Iman) has over seventy branches, and modesty is an essential part of it.” (Bukhari). This virtue is deeply connected to faith, as Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) also stated: “Modesty and faith are inseparable. If one disappears, the other will also vanish.” (Baihaqi)

 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was himself a model of modesty. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) reported that the Prophet (pbuh) never looked at people in an inappropriate way, even during a time when nudity was present, such as during pagan rituals around the Ka’aba. He (pbuh) also taught: “Modesty brings only good.” (Bukhari)

 

In the Holy Quran, Allah commands believers to protect their chastity and lower their gaze: “Tell the believers to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is fully aware of what they do.” (An-Nur, 24: 31). This verse puts emphasis on the importance of modesty as a way to purify the soul and strengthen faith.

 

In today’s world, society faces a decline in moral values, worsened by the influence of the media and Western culture. Pornography, which was once marginal, has become widespread due to the internet and modern technology.

Gazing God in Heaven

The Vision of Allah in the Afterlife

 

Every true believer wishes to see Allah one day, whether they are believers from among the various peoples of the earth, or especially the chosen ones of Allah – the prophets. Allah states in the Quran:

 

“Glory be to Him (Allah)! His greatness surpasses all that they (meaning the people – the disbelievers, the idolaters) describe. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth from nothing. How then could He have a child when He does not have a spouse? He has created everything and knows all. That is Allah, your Lord. There is no deity besides Him. He is the Creator of all things; therefore, worship Him. He is in charge of everything. The eyes cannot perceive Him, yet He perceives all eyes. He is kind to us and fully aware of everything.” (Al-Anam, 6: 102-105)

 

The human mind’s conception and perception of Allah are very limited. The intellect cannot fathom the true nature of His existence. Allah is Omniscient, and Omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere, and He hears and knows everything. Nothing escapes His knowledge. One may attempt to conceal oneself, but no one can ever hide from Allah.

'Ilhaam' : 14 Shawwal 1446 AH

 

For anyone who is a devout Muslim, willing and able to exercise his spiritual intellect and common sense; the Signs of the times cannot be mistaken.  There is little doubt that the Ummat-e-Muhammdiyya is passing through a time of all-round turbulence and turmoil; there is a dire need today, perhaps more than at any other point in Islamic history,  for social reforms and spiritual renewal through a Divinely-imbued and inspired soul; a time when Islam has been reduced to the bare text of the Qur’an and the books of traditions; even as they followed the symbols and rites of religion, the Muslims have forgotten the substance and spirit of faith: without clear guidance and pure example through a living exemplar. Instead of holding on to the rope of Allah in quest of Divine help and succour, the search for respite has taken the Ummah to the doors of false gods and evil minds that only misguide and deviate them.

 

Against this dismal backdrop of overall spiritual darkness in the world of Islam today, true and devout Muslims ought to embrace the Divine manifestation of our times:  for those who are not yet aware of, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius is a living Saint in this 15^th century of Islam. Over the last two decades, Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon him several titles of exceptional rank and spiritual distinction, such as ‘Muhyiuddin’, ‘Mujaddid’, ‘Khalifatullah’, Imam Mahdi, ‘Musleh Maoud’, ‘Dhul Qarnayn’, etc. This humble servant of the Islamic Faith, the chosen elect of God in this era, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) brings the light of pure guidance with the help of the Roohul Qudus, renewing the spirit of Tawheed and Tawakkul amidst the trials and struggles of life for the illumination of all lost souls. 

On 14 Shawwal 1446 AH~ 14 April 2025, Hazrat Saheb (aba) conveyed to his disciples and followers about a special, mystical experience of sublime spiritual quality that he experienced: indeed this living saint, like so many of the great pious souls who passed away in the Islamic tradition over the centuries, experiences Divine communion and conversations with Allah (swt). Read the Inspired Message Below:   

Noble and Inspiring Traits

The Impact of the Holy Prophet’s Good Character on Society

 

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) was renowned for his exceptional ability to touch people’s hearts by adapting his approach to what suited them best. When he lost his paternal uncle, who had always acted as his protector against the hostility of other members of his tribe – the Quraysh – as well as other tribes, the Quraysh intensified their persecution against him after his uncle’s death. To escape this oppression and in the hope of gaining the support and protection of the Banu Thaqif tribe for his followers, he decided to travel to Ta’if. He also hoped that this tribe would accept Allah’s message, which he had been sent to deliver on behalf of Allah. He thus embarked on this journey alone as a testament to his faith and determination.

Shawwal & Hazrat Aisha (ra)

  

After Ramadan, comes the month of Shawwal. During this month, it is recommended to observe six additional days of fasting (Nafil). These days of fasting are not obligatory, but they are recommended by the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), who said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan and follows it with six days of fasting in Shawwal will be rewarded as if they have fasted for the entire year” (Abu Dawud). It is possible to observe these six Nafil fasts on any day during Shawwal, except for the 1^st of Shawwal, which is Eid-ul-Fitr, a day of celebration when fasting is prohibited by Allah.

 

For those who have missed obligatory fasts from previous years, it is preferable to make up for those missed days first before observing the six Nafil fasts. However, if someone has only missed fasts during the recent Ramadan, they can start with the six Nafil fasts and later make up the missed obligatory fasts. Alternatively, one can choose to make up missed fasts during Shawwal itself, but these fasts will not be considered Nafil; rather, they will be the obligatory fasts owed to Allah. After completing these obligatory fasts, if they wish, they can observe the six Nafil fasts of Shawwal.

'Eid-ul-Fitr' Sermon 2025

 

The profound message of the Eid-ul-Fitr

 

Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated at the end of the blessed month of Ramadan, is one of the most important festivals for us, Muslims. It marks the end of fasting (Roza/ Sawm) after a month of physical restraint, spiritual reflection, and devotion. This day is a moment of gratitude to Allah for the blessings we have received, as well as an opportunity to strengthen our social, familial, and community bonds. The word ‘Eid’ itself means something that recurs, repeats, or a recurring event that brings happiness and a festive atmosphere. It represents an occasion that reappears after a certain period, bringing moments of joy and blessings. Essentially, the term “Eid” symbolises a moment of communal celebration, uniting or connecting a group in happiness and gratitude.

 

In the Quran, the word “Eid” is directly mentioned in Surah Al-Maida – Chapter 5, Verse 115. In the context of this verse, we see how the disciples of Hazrat Isa (as) asked Allah to send down a table laden with food from the heavens as a feast (Eid) for them, marking it as a day of celebration and a sign of His grace.

 

Here, we observe how Allah not only blessed Hazrat Isa (as) and his disciples with material provisions but also granted them spiritual sustenance, which was continued and perfected in Islam with the arrival of our beloved Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh).

 

Thus, beyond festivities, feasts, and gatherings with family and the community, this day carries a profound message: that each Muslim should continue to lead a pious life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It highlights a way of life rooted in spiritual, ethical, and moral values, which each believer should strive to follow throughout the year, not just during Ramadan.