The Islamic Bulletin Volume X No. 23 Page 21 At Madinah, Umm Ayman contributed her full part in the affairs of the Muslims. At Uhud she distributed water to the thirsty and tended the wounded. She accompanied the Prophet (SAW) on some expeditions, to Khaybar and Hunayn for example. Barakah’s son, Ayman, a devoted companion of the Prophet (SAW) was martyred at Hunayn in the eighth year after the Hijrah. Also, her husband, Zayd, was killed at the Battle of Mutah in Syria after a lifetime of distinguished service to the Prophet (SAW) and Islam. Barakah at this time was about seventy years old and spent much of her time at home. The Prophet (SAW), accompanied by Abu Bakr and Umar often visited her and asked: “Ya Ummi! Are you well?” and she would reply: “I am well, O Messenger of Allah, so long as Islam is.” After the Prophet (SAW), may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had died, Barakah would often be found with tears in her eyes. She was once asked, “Why are you crying?” and she replied: “By Allah, I knew that the Messenger of Allah would die but I cry now because the revelation from on high has come to an end for us.” Barakah was unique in that she was the only one who was so close to the Prophet (SAW) throughout his life, from birth till death. Her life was one of selfless service in the Prophet (SAW)’s household. She remained deeply devoted to the gentle and caring Prophet (SAW). Above all, her devotion to the religion of Islam was strong and unshakable. She died during the caliphate of Uthman. Although her roots were unknown, her place in Paradise is assured. Haya is an Arabic word derived from the word hayat, which means life. This term covers a wide number of concepts. In English, it may be translated as modesty, shyness, self-respect, bashfulness, shame, honor, humility, etc. The original meaning of haya refers to a bad and uneasy feeling accompanied by embarrassment, caused by one’s fear of being exposed for some unworthy or indecent conduct. Islamically, haya is an attribute which encourages believers to avoid anything distasteful. It keeps them from being neglectful in giving others what is due upon them, and if for any reason they are not able to keep up with their commitments, then they will feel extremely uncomfortable and ashamed about this. The main reason for this uncomfortable feeling would be the knowledge that they had displeased Allah. Haya plays a huge role in the lives of Muslims because it is a very important part of our Iman (faith/belief). If we do not have any form of haya within us then it is most likely that our Iman is very weak. It states in the following hadith: Narrated by Abu Huraira (ra): The Prophet (SAW) said, “Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya is a part of faith.” (Bukhari) We also learn from the Prophet (saw) the importance of having haya and how it is not something to be ashamed of, but instead, one should be concerned and embarrassed if they do not possess it within their character. Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (ra): The Prophet (saw) passed by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding Haya and was saying, “You are very shy, and I am afraid that might harm you.” On that, Allah’s Apostle (SAW) said, “Leave him, for Haya is (a part) of Faith.” (Bukhari) The above hadith is also a form of proof that “shyness” is not just something regarding women but also an attribute that believing men should have, for it is an indication of their fear of Allah and an indication of the value of their Deen. We often find that shyness, humility and bashfulness are frowned upon by our society as a weakness or a lack of confidence when, in fact, these are qualities of a dignified upright human being, who is conscious of his actions and his responsibilities in life. There are two different types of haya—the good haya and the bad. The good haya is to be ashamed to commit a sin or a thing which Allah and His Messenger (saw) has forbidden. The bad haya is to feel ashamed to do a thing which Allah and His Messenger (saw) has ordered us to do. There are different types of good haya. For example, a believer should build his personality and character with the good dimensions of haya. The most important is that he must be shy of doing ANYTHING displeasing to Allah (SWT) with the belief that he will have to answer for all his deeds. If one develops a sense such as this one, it will help the believer to obey all of Allah’s commandments and to stay away from sins. Once the believer realizes that Allah (SWT) is watching us all the time and we will have to answer to every move we make in this dunya (world), he would not neglect any order from Allah or His Messenger (saws). So the stronger this sense of haya becomes, the more it motivates one to make sure that Allah (SWT) doesn’t see him doing anything prohibited. The way to develop this haya is that one must keep learning and absorbing more knowledge and applying it to his life. Another type of haya is more of a social aspect concerning others besides Allah (SWT). Normally these things often come in regard with one’s relationship with family. For instance, a child not wanting to do something displeasing to his mother, or a wife not wanting to do something displeasing to her husband, or even a student who is careful about saying something incorrect in front of his teacher are all forms of haya. Last but not least is the type of haya in which the believers become shy of themselves. This is when they have reached the peak of their Iman. For example, if they do, say, or see anything wrong or even commit the tiniest sin, they start to feel extremely bad and embarrassed or they feel extreme guilt in their hearts. This builds a high degree of selfconsciousness and that is what strengthens a Muslim’s commitment to Allah (SWT). After discussing the various types of “beneficial” haya, it is time to discuss the type of haya which is not only against the teachings of our HAYA (SHYNESS)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjQ1