The Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'One of the sayings of the early Prophets which the people have got is: If you don't feel ashamed (from Haya': pious shyness from committing religious indiscretions) do whatever you like." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6120)

Meaning and Context

This profound statement traces back to earlier divine revelations, preserved by the Muslim community through Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The term "Haya'" refers to a comprehensive Islamic virtue encompassing modesty, shame, and consciousness of Allah's observation.

The apparent meaning suggests permission, but scholars universally understand this as a severe warning. When a person loses the protective barrier of Haya', they descend into spiritual ruin, committing sins without restraint.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith employs the rhetorical device of "al-Ighra'" (incitement toward something to warn against it). It resembles the Quranic verse: "Do as you wish" (41:40), which is actually a threat.

Al-Qurtubi states that Haya' is of two types: natural instinct and acquired through faith. The latter prevents believers from displeasing Allah, making it an essential quality of true faith.

Ibn al-Qayyim elaborates that Haya' serves as a spiritual barrier protecting one's faith, honor, and dignity. Its absence indicates severe spiritual sickness and distance from Allah's mercy.

Practical Application

True Haya' manifests in avoiding all Allah has prohibited, fulfilling religious obligations properly, and maintaining excellent character in all dealings.

This teaching encourages Muslims to cultivate this noble quality, recognizing it as both a natural disposition and a religious virtue that must be nurtured through knowledge and practice.