Hadith #1328

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of feeling ashamed when the thought of disobedience crosses the mind of a believer. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (yanbaghi) "يَنْبَغِي" in the Hadith means "it is necessary" or "it is appropriate." It highlights the obligation upon a believer to experience a sense of shame or remorse when they find themselves contemplating disobedience to Allah's commands. This feeling of shame is a reflection of the believer's awareness of their duty to strive for righteousness and avoid sin.

The word (al-mu'min) "الْمُؤْمِنِ" refers to the believer, someone who has faith in Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). The Hadith emphasizes that it is specifically the duty of a believer to feel ashamed when the thought of disobedience arises. This is because the believer recognizes the significance of their relationship with Allah and the importance of upholding His commands.

The word (yastahiya) "يَسْتَحِييَ" comes from the root word (hayaa) "حَيَاء", which means "shame" or "modesty." It denotes a feeling of discomfort or unease that arises when one contemplates engaging in disobedience to Allah. This feeling of shame acts as a protective barrier, preventing the believer from succumbing to their base desires and reminding them of their moral obligations.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26):

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.

This verse highlights the importance of righteousness and modesty in the life of a believer. Just as clothing conceals our physical flaws, righteousness conceals our spiritual imperfections. It is through the adornment of righteousness that we can protect ourselves from the temptations of disobedience and maintain a sense of shame when such thoughts arise.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding disobedience and the negative consequences it brings. It highlights the need for believers to be cautious in their interactions with others and to refrain from mocking or insulting one another. This serves as a reminder that disobedience tarnishes the name of a believer and diminishes their status in the sight of Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can see that feeling ashamed when the thought of disobedience arises is a sign of a believer's sincerity and commitment to their faith. It demonstrates their awareness of the consequences of sin and their desire to please Allah. This feeling of shame acts as a protective mechanism, guiding the believer towards righteousness and deterring them from engaging in sinful actions.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages believers to constantly evaluate their thoughts and intentions. It reminds us that even the fleeting thought of disobedience should be met with a sense of shame and a renewed commitment to righteousness. By doing so, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and strive to become better individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of feeling ashamed when the thought of disobedience crosses our minds. It emphasizes the duty of a believer to uphold the values of righteousness and to constantly strive for moral excellence. By reflecting on the implications of this Hadith and seeking guidance from the Quran, we can deepen our understanding of the significance of shame in the life of a believer and strive to align our thoughts and actions with the teachings of Islam. May Allah grant us the strength to resist temptation and the wisdom to always choose obedience over disobedience.