Why feel shame?

Shame holds significant importance in Islam because its other name is ‘hayaa’ (modesty), and according to Islam, modesty is a part of faith. Faith and modesty always go hand in hand in a Muslim’s heart. If one departs, the other also follows.

Even beyond Islam, people, regardless of their faith, exhibit shame and modesty. So, if someone lacks faith, they might still have modesty and shame. However, if modesty and shame are absent, faith cannot exist. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, ‘When there is no modesty, do as you please,’ and this hadith is authentic.

The hadith is found with similar wording in Sahih Bukhari, Sunan Abi Dawood, Ibn Majah, and Bulugh al-Maram, all with the chain of narration from Bukhari. It implies that when there is no modesty, one may do anything, be it against Islam, disbelief, or acts of violence and plunder. Allah and His Messenger have no concern with such a person because their heart lacks the sense of Islam or faith.

Recently, the popular TikTokers Sahar Hayat and her husband Samee Rashid informed their social media followers about the arrival of their child. This couple has been absent from social media for some time, and their return was marked by photoshoots on various social media platforms.

Some social media users criticized this couple, praying that Allah guides them. Some said it’s just a drama for social media and nothing more. In terms of modesty and shame, these qualities seem to be lacking among some social media users who watched the video and prayed for guidance. Does Allah not know what is right and what is wrong?

Interestingly, some social media users advised not to share news of Allah’s given child on social media. They warned about Allah’s punishment, reminding everyone that they are Muslims. It’s hoped that you are also a Muslim. This is a personal matter; don’t post it on social media.

Due to such opinions on social media, users have not shown the TikTokers the right path but instead increased their views and popularity through controversial content. It is crucial for social media influencers not to turn their personal news into social media embellishment. If there is no available topic for discussion, search for subjects that offer new perspectives and are easy to work with.

Creating something that turns into a topic or comment by others is not correct, just as the behavior of some social media users is not right. Ultimately, the same prayer that all social media users have made—may Allah guide us all (Ameen).