Question

What is the status of the following narration?

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once when asked if modesty was in fact a part of the religion, he replied, “Nay, rather it is the entire religion all of it”.

Answer

Imam Tabarani, Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) and others have recorded this narration as part of a lengthier Hadith.

(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 69, volume: 19, As Sunanul Kubra, vol. 10, pg. 194/5 and Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 7313)

Hafiz Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith as weak.

(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 8, pg. 26/27. Also see Al Muhadhab Fikh-tisari Sunanil Kabir, vol. 8, pg. 4202)

Modesty is indeed an integral part of our religion. There are several other Hadiths that have the same purport as the Hadith in question.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar