Hadith #3079

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحياءُ مَقْرُونٌ بِالْحِرْمانِ" which translates to

Shame is accompanied by deprivation.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the close relationship between shame and deprivation.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. "الحياءُ" refers to shame or modesty, which is a noble characteristic in Islam. It encompasses a sense of self-respect, decency, and a desire to avoid anything that may lead to immodesty or indecency. "مَقْرُونٌ" means accompanied or linked, indicating a close connection between two things. And "الْحِرْمانِ" refers to deprivation or being prohibited from something.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, we can 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 emphasizes the importance of modesty and the clothing of righteousness, which is closely related to the concept of shame mentioned in the Hadith.

Another verse that supports the connection between shame and deprivation is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:27), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 highlights the consequences of immodesty and the loss of clothing, which leads to shame and deprivation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his enlightening saying is reminding us that shame is not just a feeling or an emotion, but it is also accompanied by deprivation. When one loses their sense of shame and modesty, they are deprived of the blessings and protection that come with it. This deprivation can manifest in various ways, such as the loss of self-respect, the erosion of moral values, and the distancing from Allah's mercy and guidance.

For example, when a person engages in immodest behavior, such as indecent dressing or inappropriate speech, they not only compromise their own dignity but also invite negative consequences into their lives. They may experience a loss of respect from others, damage their relationships, and even face legal or social repercussions. Moreover, the deprivation caused by shamelessness extends beyond the material realm. It affects one's spiritual well-being, distancing them from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that shame and deprivation are intrinsically linked. By cultivating a sense of shame and modesty, we not only protect ourselves from the negative consequences of immodesty but also preserve our dignity, honor, and spiritual well-being. It is through the practice of modesty that we can attain the blessings and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that we seek as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Shame is accompanied by deprivation

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of modesty and shame in their lives. By understanding the close relationship between shame and deprivation, we can strive to protect ourselves from the negative consequences of immodesty and cultivate a sense of dignity, honor, and spiritual well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to embody the teachings of Islam and protect ourselves from shame and deprivation.