When a person is endowed with modesty, you will see him walking in a straight and dignified manner—neither with the rushed gait that people reproach, nor with the affected sluggishness they likewise condemn. The same balance appears in his speech: he speaks only what is good, using pleasant words, observing proper etiquette, and expressing himself as nobly as he can.

If, however, he is devoid of modesty, he does whatever he wishes, as comes in the authentic hadith: “Among the sayings that people have retained from the earliest prophetic messages is: If you feel no shame, then do as you wish.”

The Prophet ﷺ was more modest than a secluded virgin in her chamber; such a maiden, by nature, is exceedingly shy, yet the Messenger of Allah ﷺ surpassed even her in modesty. Still, he never shied away from the truth: he spoke it plainly, proclaimed it openly, and cared not for anyone’s displeasure. In matters where no rights would be neglected by his silence, he ﷺ was the shyest of people.

Therefore, my brother, cultivate modesty and courtesy, and adorn yourself with the noble traits for which people will praise you.