Hadith #3095

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Shame has been paired with deprivation.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the connection between shame and deprivation, emphasizing that these two concepts are intertwined.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word "qurina" means to be paired or associated with something. "Hayaa" refers to shame or modesty, which is a praiseworthy quality in Islam. And "hirmān" means deprivation or being deprived of something.

To understand the significance 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 highlights the importance of modesty and the significance of clothing as a means to conceal one's private parts. It teaches us that modesty is not only about physical covering but also encompasses righteousness and piety. Modesty is a reflection of one's inner state and is closely linked to one's moral character.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:27), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the concept of shame and modesty by stating,

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 reminds us of the consequences of immodesty and the influence of Satan in leading humanity astray. It serves as a warning against succumbing to the temptations of immodesty and highlights the importance of preserving our modesty and dignity.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses. The pairing of shame with deprivation implies that when one loses their sense of shame and modesty, they are deprived of the blessings and protection that come with it.

Shame acts as a protective barrier, guarding us against immoral and indecent behavior. It restrains us from engaging in actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam and the principles of morality. When shame is lost, one becomes vulnerable to the temptations of the world and is more likely to fall into sin and transgression.

Furthermore, the deprivation mentioned in the Hadith can be understood in both a spiritual and worldly sense. Spiritually, the loss of shame leads to a deprivation of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It hinders our ability to develop a strong relationship with our Creator and inhibits our progress on the path of righteousness.

In a worldly sense, the loss of shame can result in the deprivation of respect, honor, and dignity. It can lead to a decline in moral values within society and contribute to the erosion of social norms. When shame is abandoned, individuals may engage in immoral acts without any sense of remorse or accountability, causing harm to themselves and others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of modesty and shame. It encourages us to cultivate a sense of self-respect and dignity, both in our personal lives and in our interactions with others. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the pitfalls of immodesty and strive towards spiritual growth and righteousness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to preserve our modesty and protect ourselves from the deprivation that comes with the loss of shame. Ameen.