Volume
Vol. 13, Gathas
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Morals
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3.8, Modesty
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Vol. 13, Gathas
Morals
3.8, Modesty
Modesty is not necessarily timidity or cowardice. The bravest can be modest, and it is modesty which completes bravery.
Modesty is the veil over the face of the great, for the most modest is God Himself, Who is not seen by anyone except those intimate with Him.
Beauty in all its forms and colors, in all its phases and spheres, doubles itself, enriches itself by modesty.
Modesty is not something that is learnt. It is in nature, for it is natural.
Modesty does not only cover what is beautiful but amplifies the beauty and covers all that is void of beauty, in this manner fitting it into all that which is beautiful.
A noble heart can even rise to such a degree of modesty that he would plead for another person's fault, trying to make out of it no fault, even knowing that it is a fault.
Yes, a modest person very often will not raise his voice, out of dignity; or say things, out of consideration and respect; will not argue and pull his own way when dealing with someone who has no thought of modesty. In this case he may often lose his battle. However, one cannot hope always to ascend and descend at the same time. One should ascend, sacrificing all that those who descend will get, or else one must descend, sacrificing all that those who ascend will achieve. Life always demands sacrifices. In every walk of life there is a battle to be fought; and in that case the one who loves to ascend may just as well ascend rather than wanting to descend.
The Prophet has said, "Al Hay wal Iman," "Verily, modesty is a great piety."
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