Journal of Maalim al-Quran wa al-Sunnah

This paper discusses the concept of al-haya’ (modesty). Moral emotions are seen as fundamental in promoting adherence to ethical and social norms. This paper argues that modesty is an affective disposition that is important in the development of a Muslim’s sense of moral self. Al-haya’ inhibits a person from engaging in undesirable behaviour by creating a sense of shame. It differs from embarrassment (khajal) which refers to something that has already happened. Shame is based on what may occur in the future. Al-haya’ is also a fear of social disapprobation or disgrace ensuing from the scrutiny of others, or some imagined or internalized audiences. This paper considers the nature of modesty in exploring its characteristics from the Islamic perspective, and whether it is an adaptive or maladaptive trait. The method used in conceptualizing modesty and identifying its characteristics and types is through a document analysis of Quranic verses and authentic hadith from the classical Islamic works of Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan al-Tirmizi, Sunan an-Abu Dawud, and Sunan Ibn Majah. Classical and contemporary Muslim scholarship are also consulted. After analysing the philosophical and psychological aspects of modesty, the researchers found it to be adaptive rather than maladaptive from the perspective of Islamic teachings. Thus, modesty should be promoted as one of the core values in shaping the character of Muslim youth.