Hadith #3097

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنِ اسْتَحْيا حُرِمَ۔" This can be translated as,

One who is shy is deprived.

To understand the essence behind this statement, let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (istahya) "استحيا" comes from the root word (hayaa) "حَيَاء", which means shyness, modesty, or bashfulness. Shyness is a noble characteristic that stems from a sense of humility and self-awareness. It is a quality that prevents one from engaging in inappropriate or immoral behavior. Shyness is not a weakness, but rather a strength that protects one's dignity and preserves the sanctity of their actions.

The word (hurima) "حُرِمَ" is derived from the root word (harama) "حَرَمَ", which means to be deprived or prohibited from something. In this context, it refers to being deprived of blessings, rewards, or opportunities due to a lack of shyness.

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

Indeed, those who have taken the calf [for worship] - wrath from their Lord will come upon them and humiliation in the life of this world. And thus do We recompense the inventors [of falsehood].

This verse highlights the consequences of abandoning shyness and engaging in sinful acts. Those who lack shyness and modesty may face humiliation and disgrace in this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:33), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us,

Say, 'Indeed, my Lord has forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of immoral actions and the importance of avoiding sin. Shyness acts as a shield against engaging in immoral behavior, as it prevents one from crossing the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the significance of shyness in our lives as Muslims. Shyness is not limited to our interactions with others, but it extends to our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as well. When we possess a sense of shyness and modesty, we are more inclined to adhere to the teachings of Islam and avoid actions that displease our Creator.

Shyness serves as a motivation for us to strive for righteousness and to avoid sin. It encourages us to be mindful of our actions, words, and thoughts, ensuring that they align with the principles of Islam. When we are shy, we are more likely to seek forgiveness for our mistakes and strive for self-improvement.

The consequences of lacking shyness are far-reaching. It can lead to a disregard for moral values, an increase in sinful behavior, and a loss of blessings and rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Conversely, possessing shyness allows us to maintain our dignity, preserve our integrity, and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate a sense of shyness in our lives. We should be mindful of our actions, seeking to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do. Let us remember that shyness is not a weakness, but a strength that protects our faith and guides us towards righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the noble quality of shyness and protect us from being deprived of His blessings.