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The most important aspect of modesty is its observance of
God because such an observance is bound to ensure modesty towards all the other
sections of society. Modesty towards God, as a matter of fact, transforms an
ordinary believer into a special servant of God who becomes an asset to the
society in which he lives. A modest person has a strong belief that God is ever
Watchful and knows the secrets of our hearts because He is closer to us than
our jugular vein. Thus such a person will always avoid all those acts and even temptations
that are likely to displease God. The following Quranic verse guides us to
strengthen our faith in God's unlimited and boundless knowledge:
"We indeed created man and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him for We are nearer to him than his jugular vein". (50:16).
This means that God not only is fully aware of all our deeds and acts but also the intentions that we might make before any practical act. Such a belief will guide a believer to earn God's favor. A modest believer tries to be as humble and submissive before God as possible. Through a number of traditions of the Holy Prophet(ï·º), we come to know about the companions who would literally cry with tears during daily prayers as well as while praying to God privately (Du'a). Surah 23 in its early verses ensures the special welfare of those believers who humble themselves in their prayer. The Surah says:
"Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayers with full submissiveness. And those who turn away from vain talk. And those who pay Zakat. And those who guard their chastity". (23:1-5).
These verses show the fundamental qualities of modest believers who are not only humble before God but also equally good elsewhere. These Quranic verses are further supported by a saying of the Holy Prophet(ï·º) that states:
"Whoever is modest towards God, God will raise him up (in esteem)".
Thus modesty serves as the gateway towards earning God's pleasure and that is the ultimate goal of every true believer. Now an unshaken faith in God's attributes of being Ever Knower and Ever Aware will instruct a true believer to be extremely careful in his social conduct. Such a person will try to be an obedient servant of God by trying to follow the 'Right Way' mentioned in Surah 1 (The Opening). This will help a modest person to live a righteous life especially by making efforts to earn by Halal (permitted) means and thus he will take care of his body and mind in the light of this golden saying of the Holy Prophet(ï·º):
"Be modest before God; the correct way to be modest before God is to control your heart and head and keep them pure. Be careful about the stomach and the things therein".
Hence a truly modest person is not only concerned about his acts of worship but is equally mindful of all aspects of his daily life. In this way he is blessed by becoming a friend of God because the Holy Prophet(ï·º) in a tradition has clearly stated:
"One who earns for himself (by Halal means) is a friend
of God".
Moreover, after earning by Halal means, a modest person will likewise spend his earnings to help the needy to earn God's blessing. He will never indulge in the social evil of bribery and taking interest (Riba) on loan. Finally, modesty towards God requires us to seek forgiveness from God and offer thanks to Him repeatedly because God alone deserves all praise and all thanks. Surah 55 (The Most Gracious) repeatedly reminds us to be thankful to God for His uncountable blessings when it says:
"Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (men and Jinn) deny".
In the same manner, the Holy Quran
consoles us by assuring us of God's attribute of Forgiveness and Mercifulness
by saying: "Despair not of the
Mercy of God: Verily God forgive all sins. Truly His is Oft-forgiving, Most
Merciful" (39:53). Thus a modest person towards God is able to combine in
himself the valuable virtues of obedience, humbleness, righteousness, seeking
forgiveness and thankfulness to God.
