What is the Islamic understanding of modesty? How do Muslims view modesty? The Arabic term haya’, often translated simply as shyness, has a meaning that transcends modesty or shame; it is more than simply dignity or pride. A trademark quality of our religion, haya’ encapsulates the very spirit of Islam. It is a means for all human beings to become acquainted with themselves and their Lord, allowing them to join the highest ranks of humanity. Fiqh-ul-Haya’ is an in-depth study into the various categories of haya’, providing examples of those who exemplified it, and warns of the consequences for those who reject it.