The Seventy Branches of Faith: Removing Harm and Embracing Modesty | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

Today’s reflection highlights an essential teaching in Islam: the significance of small but sincere actions, and the role of modesty as a branch of true faith.

One of the easiest and most impactful good deeds in Islam is to remove something harmful from the road. This act, praised by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is not just an act of public service but a means for attaining Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.

As narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him):

"While a man was on the way, he found a thorny branch of a tree on the road and removed it. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 2472 (sunnah.com/bukhari:2472)

This hadith shows that even the smallest act, done with the right intention, is greatly valued by Allah. It teaches Muslims to prioritize benefiting others and being aware of the needs of the community.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ explained the nature of iman (faith):

"Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is a branch of faith."
— Sahih Muslim 35b (sunnah.com/muslim:35b)

This narration underlines that faith is not just a belief in the heart, but also a series of actions and qualities. The highest is to testify “La ilaha illa Allah”—that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah—and even acts that seem minor, like clearing a path, are included in faith.

The Prophet ﷺ further explained that modesty (hayā’) is a vital branch of faith. Modesty is not simply shyness; it is an internal feeling that inspires obedience to Allah and avoidance of what displeases Him, whether in public or private.

Allah the Most High says:

"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is acquainted with what they do."
— Qur’an 24:30 (quran.com/24/30)

Modesty (hayā’) promotes self-control, sincerity, and constant remembrance that Allah is watching. It protects a person from sins and encourages righteous conduct in all aspects of life.

Every part of faith—belief, speech, or deed—must be rooted in the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The Quran confirms the importance of learning worship and manners directly from divine revelation:

"Nor does he speak from his own inclination. It is but a revelation revealed."
— Qur’an 53:3-4 (quran.com/53/3-4)

By following both the Qur’an and the Sunnah, a Muslim’s declaration of faith becomes sound and complete.

Islam emphasizes beneficial action and inner refinement as part of true faith. Removing harm from the road, practicing modesty, and prioritizing sincerity in both public and private—all are vital branches of Iman that bring a believer closer to Allah’s mercy. Let every act, no matter how small, be a seed of Paradise.

May Allah allow us all to perfect our Iman by upholding every branch, and reward us for sincerity in action and character. Until next time, I leave you in the care of Allah.