This essay looks at the virtue of modesty and the extent to which it shaped the noble character of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). It considers modesty not only as a personal trait, but also as a guiding habit with wide-ranging implications and profound meanings in the Prophet’s life. Many situations highlight the depth of this noble trait in his character.

Among the numerous narrations transmitted by trustworthy narrators with sound chains is the report of Abu Saʿid al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), who described the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) by saying, “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was more modest than a virgin in her seclusion, and whenever he disliked something, we could recognize it from his face” (Bukhari and Muslim).

It is also reported on the authority of ʿAʾisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that, “When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) heard something about a man, he would not say, ‘What is wrong with so-and-so that he says such-and-such?’ Rather, he would say, ‘What is wrong with some people who say such-and-such?’” (reported by Abu Dawud).

Among the general reports narrated about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is that, out of modesty, he would not fix his gaze upon anyone’s face, and that he would use indirect expressions for matters he was compelled to mention but disliked speaking about explicitly.

The modesty of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) also appears in the account of the Night Ascension (al-Isra` wa al-Miʿraj), when he was taken up to the heavens and the prayers were prescribed. Our master Musa (peace be upon him) asked him to request a reduction in the number of prayers several times, as mentioned in a long narration reported by Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him). The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) then said, “I felt modest before my Lord”
(reported by Bukhari).

 

Regarding the Prophet’s modesty before people, the Mother of the Believers ʿAisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that a woman approached him to inquire about the ritual bath after menstruation. He instructed her to bathe with water and lote leaves, and to take a piece of cloth, perform ablution with it, and purify herself. When she asked, “How should I purify myself with it?” he replied, “Purify yourself with it.” She repeated her inquiry, and at that point, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) covered his face with his hand and said, “Glory be to Allah! Purify yourself with it.” ʿAisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “I then took the woman aside and explained, “Use it to remove the traces of blood” (reported by Ibn Hibban).

Among the manifestations of his modesty (peace and blessings be upon him) is that he did not ask the guests at his wedding feast to leave after they had finished eating, until Allah revealed a verse regarding this matter. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) married Zaynab bint Jaḥsh (may Allah be pleased with her), and a meal of bread and meat was prepared. I was sent to invite the people to the meal. Groups came, ate, and left, and I continued inviting people until no one remained. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, there is no one left to invite.’ He said, ‘Lift the food.’ Three people remained in the house conversing. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then went out and headed toward the room of ʿAisha (may Allah be pleased with her), saying, ‘Peace be upon you, O people of the house, and the mercy of Allah.’ She replied, ‘And peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah. How did you find your family, O Messenger of Allah? May Allah bless you.’ He then visited the rooms of all his wives, conveying the same greeting, and they replied as she had. When he returned, he found the three men still conversing in the house. Out of his profound modesty, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) went out again toward the room of ʿAisha. I do not know whether I informed him or he was informed that the guests had left. When he returned, he placed one foot inside the threshold of the door and the other outside, drew the curtain between me and him, and the verse of hijab was revealed”
(reported by Bukhari).

There is no doubt that the signs and manifestations of modesty in the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) are countless, far too numerous to be fully recorded. May Allah send prayers, peace, and blessings be upon our master Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

References:

• Al-Mufhim Sharḥ Ṣaḥiḥ Muslim by Abu al-ʿAbbas al-Qurṭubi.
• Al-Fatḥ al-Mubin bi-Sharḥ al-Arbaʿin by Ibn Ḥajar al-Haytami.