37/17. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 4180 — The Prophet’s Modesty
Modesty, shyness
Hadith About Modesty: The Prophet’s Shyness and Character
Sunan Ibn Majah : 4180
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 4180
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، وَعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ مَهْدِيٍّ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي عُتْبَةَ، - مَوْلًى لأَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ - عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ أَشَدَّ حَيَاءً مِنْ عَذْرَاءَ فِي خِدْرِهَا وَكَانَ إِذَا كَرِهَ شَيْئًا رُئِيَ ذَلِكَ فِي وَجْهِهِ .
Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was more modest than a virgin in her chamber. If he disliked something, that could be seen in his face.”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 4180In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 81English translation : Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 4180
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 4180
This hadith about modesty describes the character of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم. Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was more modest than a virgin in her chamber. He also said that when the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم disliked something, it could be seen in his face. The report gives two simple signs. First, his modesty was deep and visible. Second, even when he disliked something, the narration points to his face rather than harsh words in this wording. For people searching for a hadith about haya or modesty of Prophet Muhammad, this narration shows that modesty is not weakness. It is a noble manner seen in the Prophet’s presence, reactions, and self-control.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had deep and visible modesty.
- His dislike of something could be seen in his face.
- Modesty is shown as part of noble character.
- A believer can dislike something without rushing into harsh speech.
