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اَللَّئِيمُ لايَسْتَحْيي۔

The vile person is never ashamed.

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The vile person is never ashamed.

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Vile)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اللَّئِيمُ لايَسْتَحْيي۔" This can be translated as,

The vile person is never ashamed.

In this beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the characteristic of a vile person who lacks the sense of shame or modesty.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The term "اللَّئِيمُ" refers to someone who is wicked, evil, or vile in their actions and behavior. This person lacks moral integrity and engages in despicable acts without any remorse or shame. The word "لايَسْتَحْيي" means "is not ashamed" or

does not feel any shame.

It signifies the absence of a sense of modesty or decency in the vile person's conduct.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of modesty and shame in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah 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.

This verse highlights the significance of modesty in dressing and behavior.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:27), Allah mentions the story of Adam and Eve, where they felt shame after disobeying Allah's command. Allah says,

But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts. He said, 'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.'

This verse demonstrates that shame is a natural response to wrongdoing and disobedience.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by highlighting the contrast between a person of virtue and a vile individual. A person of virtue possesses a sense of shame and modesty, which acts as a barrier against immoral actions. They are conscious of their behavior and strive to uphold moral standards. On the other hand, a vile person lacks this sense of shame and is unapologetic in their wickedness.

The consequence of being a vile person without shame is that one becomes immune to the guilt and remorse that should accompany immoral actions. This lack of shame leads to a downward spiral of immorality, as the person becomes desensitized to their own wrongdoing. They may engage in acts that are harmful to themselves and others without any hesitation or remorse.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating a sense of shame and modesty in our lives. It serves as a protective shield against immoral behavior and helps us maintain our moral compass. By being conscious of our actions and their consequences, we can strive to be people of virtue who are guided by a strong sense of shame and modesty.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that a vile person lacks shame and modesty. This characteristic is condemned in Islam, as it leads to a disregard for moral values and a lack of remorse for one's actions. By reflecting on this Hadith and the Quranic teachings on modesty, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating a sense of shame and modesty in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be people of virtue who are conscious of our actions and strive to uphold moral standards.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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