مَنْ صَحِبَهُ الحَياءُ في قَوْلِهِ، زايَلَهُ الخَناءُ في فِعْلِهِ۔
One whose speech is accompanied by modesty, corruption [and destruction] is removed from his action.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Speech And Speaking)
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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
One whose speech is accompanied by modesty, corruption [and destruction] is removed from his action.
Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (hayaa) "حَيَاء" refers to modesty, bashfulness, and a sense of shame. It is a quality that prevents one from engaging in inappropriate or immoral behavior. The word (khanaa) "خَنَاء" refers to corruption, deceit, and destruction. It signifies actions that are harmful and detrimental.
The Quran emphasizes the importance of modesty and righteousness in speech and action. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 conduct. It teaches us that true beauty lies in righteousness and modesty.
Furthermore, the Quran warns against corruption and deceit in various verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:204), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,
And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.
This verse cautions us against individuals who may appear righteous in their speech but harbor ill intentions and engage in deceitful actions. It reminds us to be cautious and discerning in our interactions.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the correlation between our speech and our actions. It teaches us that if our words are accompanied by modesty and sincerity, our actions will reflect the same righteousness. Conversely, if our speech is tainted with corruption and deceit, our actions will inevitably lead to destruction.
For example, if a person speaks humbly and respectfully, showing modesty in their words, it is likely that their actions will be characterized by kindness, empathy, and righteousness. On the other hand, if a person speaks arrogantly and deceitfully, their actions may lead to harm, injustice, and discord.
This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to ensure that it aligns with the principles of modesty and righteousness. It urges us to reflect upon the consequences of our words and to strive for sincerity and integrity in our actions.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of modesty in our speech and warns against corruption in our actions. It reminds us that our words and actions are interconnected, and that a person's true character is reflected in both. By embodying modesty in our speech and striving for righteousness in our actions, we can attain spiritual growth and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to speak and act with sincerity and righteousness.
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