Hadith #3099

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قَلَّ حَياؤُهُ قَلَّ وَرَعُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose modesty is reduced, his piety is [also] reduced.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hayā') "حَيَاء" in this Hadith refers to modesty, bashfulness, and a sense of shame. It is a quality that reflects a person's awareness of Allah's presence and their desire to avoid anything that may displease Him. Modesty is an essential characteristic of a believer, as it serves as a shield against sins and immoral behavior.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of modesty in the Quran. 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 both our physical appearance and our actions. It reminds us that true beauty lies in righteousness and piety.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah instructs the believers,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority are not based on wealth, status, or lineage, but rather on righteousness and piety. Modesty is an integral part of righteousness, as it reflects a person's humility and awareness of their own shortcomings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the close relationship between modesty and piety. When a person's modesty diminishes, their piety also decreases. This is because modesty acts as a protective barrier against sins and immoral behavior. It prevents a person from engaging in actions that are displeasing to Allah and helps them maintain a higher level of consciousness and awareness.

When a person loses their sense of modesty, they become more susceptible to committing sins and engaging in immoral behavior. They may become desensitized to the consequences of their actions and start neglecting their duties towards Allah and their fellow human beings. This gradual decline in modesty leads to a decrease in piety, as the person becomes more focused on their own desires and worldly pursuits, rather than seeking the pleasure of Allah.

The consequences of a reduced sense of modesty and piety are far-reaching. It can lead to a person indulging in sins such as lying, backbiting, cheating, and immorality. It can also lead to a person neglecting their religious obligations, such as prayer, fasting, and giving in charity. Ultimately, it distances them from the path of righteousness and jeopardizes their spiritual well-being.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating and preserving our modesty. We should strive to maintain a sense of shame and humility in our actions, speech, and appearance. Modesty serves as a safeguard for our piety and helps us stay on the path of righteousness. By being conscious of our modesty, we can protect ourselves from falling into the traps of sin and immorality.

As Muslims, let us heed the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to enhance our modesty and piety. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to uphold these noble qualities and protect us from the temptations of this world. May our modesty be a reflection of our deep reverence for Allah and our commitment to living a life of righteousness.