Abu Mas'ud said, "The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant himpeace, said, "Part of what people know of the words of first prophethoodis that if someone does not possess shyness, then he will do as he pleases."
The Noble Hadith
Abu Mas'ud reported: The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Part of what people know of the words of first prophethood is that if someone does not possess shyness, then he will do as he pleases."
Commentary on "Meddling and Harshness"
This profound tradition from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad reveals that shyness (al-hayā') constitutes essential wisdom from primordial revelation. The scholars explain that hayā' is not mere embarrassment but a comprehensive moral quality that restrains one from indecency and directs toward virtuous conduct.
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) identifies this as "words of first prophethood," he indicates this wisdom predates the Quranic revelation, being universally recognized by previous nations through their prophets. This establishes hayā' as a fundamental, timeless virtue across divine messages.
The consequence "he will do as he pleases" demonstrates that absence of hayā' removes the internal restraint that prevents transgression. Without this spiritual barrier, nothing prevents one from following base desires and committing wrongs against Allah and creation.
Thus, this hadith connects directly to the themes of "Meddling and Harshness," for one lacking hayā' will inevitably meddle in others' affairs and behave harshly, having lost the gentle restraint that characterizes the believer.