Hadith #4757

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) highlights the importance of two noble qualities: generosity (sakhā') and shame (hayā'). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that if a person lacks both of these qualities, then death is preferable to life for them.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word "sakhā'" refers to generosity, munificence, and liberality. It encompasses the act of giving freely and selflessly, without expecting anything in return. It is a quality that reflects the noble character of a person and their willingness to help others.

The word "hayā'" refers to shame, modesty, and a sense of honor. It is the feeling of discomfort or embarrassment that arises when one is about to engage in something morally wrong or inappropriate. It is a quality that restrains a person from committing sins and encourages them to uphold moral values.

To understand the significance of these qualities, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of generosity (sakhā') as a fundamental aspect of righteousness. It highlights that true righteousness is not merely in performing rituals, but it lies in the belief in Allah and the actions that reflect that belief. Giving wealth to those in need is a manifestation of generosity that is highly regarded in Islam.

Furthermore, the Quran also emphasizes the significance of shame (hayā') 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 reminds us that modesty and shame are inherent qualities bestowed upon humanity by Allah. It encourages us to cover our private parts and to adorn ourselves with righteousness. Modesty is a virtue that protects our dignity and preserves the sanctity of our relationships.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When a person lacks both generosity and shame, it indicates a severe deficiency in their character and moral compass. Such an individual is driven by selfishness, greed, and a lack of empathy for others. They are indifferent to the needs and sufferings of those around them, and they are unashamed of their immoral actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) suggests that for such a person, death is preferable to life. This statement serves as a wake-up call, urging individuals to reflect upon their actions and strive to cultivate these noble qualities within themselves. It highlights the importance of selflessness, compassion, and a sense of honor in leading a meaningful and virtuous life.

The consequences of lacking generosity and shame are far-reaching. It not only affects the individual's relationship with others but also their relationship with Allah. By neglecting the rights of others and disregarding moral boundaries, such individuals distance themselves from the path of righteousness and risk facing the consequences of their actions in the Hereafter.

Therefore, Muslims are reminded of the significance of embodying the qualities of generosity and shame in their lives. They are encouraged to be generous in their dealings with others, to give freely and selflessly, and to help those in need. Simultaneously, they are reminded to uphold modesty, to be conscious of their actions, and to refrain from engaging in immoral behavior.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate the qualities of generosity and shame within themselves. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness, compassion, and moral integrity in leading a righteous life. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can strive to attain spiritual growth, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and contribute positively to society. May Allah guide us all to embody these noble qualities and grant us the strength to live a life of righteousness.