Hadith #9494

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the prevalence of evil and immorality in society, to the extent that the sense of shame and modesty has diminished. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (qabīh) "قَبيحُ" in the Hadith refers to something abominable, wicked, or morally repugnant. It encompasses all forms of evil, immorality, and indecency that are contrary to the teachings of Islam. The word (ḥayā') "حَياءُ" refers to a sense of shame, modesty, and decency that prevents one from engaging in inappropriate behavior.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of shame and modesty in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 significance of modesty in clothing and behavior. It encourages believers to cover their bodies and maintain a sense of decency. It is a reminder that righteousness and modesty go hand in hand, and they are among the signs of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:27), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of abandoning modesty. He says,

O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe.

This verse serves as a reminder of the story of Adam and Eve, where Satan tempted them to disobey Allah and caused them to lose their sense of modesty. It highlights the importance of guarding oneself against the whispers of Satan and the consequences of abandoning modesty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reflects the reality of our times, where immorality and indecency have become widespread. The prevalence of evil influences, such as pornography, promiscuity, and unethical behavior, has desensitized people to the shame and modesty that should naturally arise within them.

This decline in modesty has severe consequences for individuals and society as a whole. It leads to the erosion of moral values, the breakdown of families, and the degradation of social norms. It is crucial for Muslims to recognize this alarming trend and strive to revive the sense of shame and modesty within themselves and their communities.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement should motivate us to actively resist the temptations of immorality and uphold the values of Islam. We must cultivate a strong sense of shame and modesty, not only in our actions but also in our thoughts and intentions. By doing so, we can contribute to the purification of our society and the preservation of our moral fabric.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the prevalence of evil and the diminishing sense of shame and modesty in our times. It calls upon Muslims to reflect on the consequences of abandoning modesty and to actively strive to revive this important virtue in their lives. May Allah guide us all to righteousness and protect us from the temptations of immorality.