Hadith #3077

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Shame prevents livelihood." This amazing Hadith highlights the significance of modesty and humility in our lives. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word "shame" in Arabic is (الحياء) "al-haya". It refers to a sense of modesty, bashfulness, and a conscious awareness of avoiding anything that may lead to immodesty or indecency. It is a quality that stems from a person's moral and ethical values, guiding them to act in a dignified and respectful manner.

The word "prevents" in Arabic is (يَمْنَعُ) "yamna'u". It signifies the act of hindering, obstructing, or impeding something from happening or being obtained. In the context of this Hadith, it implies that shame acts as a barrier or obstacle that restricts the flow of sustenance or livelihood.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and shed light on the wisdom behind this Hadith. 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 emphasizes the importance of modesty and covering one's private parts. It highlights that righteousness and modesty are intertwined, and they serve as a means of protection and adornment for individuals. By adhering to the principles of modesty, one safeguards their dignity and integrity, which in turn leads to blessings and sustenance from Allah.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah An-Nur (24:30), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs,

Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.

This verse highlights the importance of lowering one's gaze and guarding one's chastity. It encourages individuals to be mindful of their actions and to avoid indulging in anything that may lead to immodesty or indecency. By doing so, one upholds the principles of haya and protects themselves from the negative consequences that may arise.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we can discern the profound wisdom behind it. When a person possesses a sense of shame and modesty, they are more likely to make choices that align with their moral values. This includes refraining from engaging in dishonest or unethical practices to earn a livelihood.

By maintaining their integrity and adhering to the principles of haya, individuals create an environment of trust and respect around them. This, in turn, attracts blessings and sustenance from Allah. They are more likely to be successful in their endeavors, as their actions are rooted in righteousness and guided by a higher moral compass.

On the other hand, when a person lacks shame or modesty, they may engage in actions that compromise their integrity and moral values. This can lead to negative consequences, both in this world and in the hereafter. Such individuals may find themselves facing financial difficulties or a lack of sustenance, as their choices are not in alignment with the divine principles of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "Shame prevents livelihood" highlights the importance of modesty and integrity in our lives. By embodying the qualities of haya and conducting ourselves in a dignified manner, we not only protect our own honor but also attract the blessings and sustenance from Allah. Let us strive to cultivate this noble trait and seek Allah's guidance in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the understanding and ability to uphold the principles of haya and lead a life of righteousness.