THE IMPORTANCE OF MODESTY

Sheikhul Islam Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmāni Sahib حفظه الله has said that the importance of modesty may be understood by the fact that a man who is deprived of this noble trait can become like Pharaoh (Fir’awn) and Nimrod (Namrood); this is because the person whose heart is devoid of modesty will certainly fall victim to the evils of pride and vanity. These vices are referred to as the root of all spiritual diseases.

The first sin committed in the universe was by Iblees (Shaitān). Prior to this, there was no concept of disobedience. When Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله created Hazrat Ādam عليه السلام and commanded all the Malā’ikah (angels) to prostrate before him, Iblees refused to prostrate saying:
انا خير منه خلقتني من نار وخلقته من طين
‘I am better than him, because You have created me from fire and created him from clay.’
(Surah Sād: Verse 76)

Iblees thought that due to fire being superior to clay, he was superior to Hazrat Ādam عليه السلام and could not therefore prostrate before him. We thus need to realise and remind ourselves that the first sin committed in the universe was committed due to pride and vanity. Apportioning importance to oneself is spiritually destructive. Due to Iblees succumbing to the disease of pride, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله has condemned him till Qiyāmah.

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmāni Sahib حفظه الله has said that the root of all vices is pride. Therefore, a heart harbouring pride must also be contaminated with other vices.