Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) once mentioned the following, describing his first encounter with Muslims and his first impression of Islam:
“I came to Makkah Mukarramah, accompanying my uncles, with the intention of purchasing some commodities. Since we also required some ‘itr (perfume), we were directed to the uncle of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Sayyiduna ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
While seated with Sayyiduna ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) at the well of Zam-Zam, a man suddenly entered the Haram from the door of Safaa. His skin was fair with a tinge of redness in his complexion. His hair was long and wavy and he had a thick beard. His eyes were most outstanding and his teeth were white and shining. (His beauty was such that) he resembled the full moon. On his right was a young, handsome boy, and behind them was a woman who had concealed her beauty.
The three of them proceeded to the Hajr Aswad (black stone), performed tawaaf of the Ka’bah, and then worshipped Allah Ta‘ala in a unique manner which we had never before witnessed.
We asked ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), ‘Is this a new religion?’ ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, ‘Yes, this is my nephew, Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). The young boy is ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), and the woman is Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). They are the only three people on the surface of the earth who are worshipping Allah Ta‘ala in this way.’”
(Taareekh Ibni ‘Asaakir vol. 33, pg. 67 and Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #15257)
Lessons:
1. When describing his first impression of Islam and Muslims, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) specifically mentioned, “behind them was a woman who had concealed her beauty.” This was in the very beginning of Islam, before the majority of the injunctions of Islam (e.g. fasting, haj, etc.) were revealed. Hence, we understand that the quality of hayaa (chastity, modesty and bashfulness) has always been a central and integral part of Islam.
2. Despite being in a land and era where ignorance and immoral practices abounded, hijaab and niqaab were still upheld, thus creating a lasting impression on Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Therefore, in this day and age, where immorality and shamelessness abound once more, we must try our best to uphold the integral qualities of hayaa and conceal our beauty with hijaab and niqaab, as this is how we will safeguard our imaan and Deen.