Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … Every society in the world that has even the slightest connection with civilization and refinement looks with respect upon those individuals within it who are dignified, noble in character, and who keep themselves away from vices, and is seen to overlook their minor shortcomings and lapses. This is because the purpose of the Shariah is to provide moral training, and for training it is not necessary that only rebuke and reprimand be used, or that punishment (ta’zir) be imposed. For some people of status, it is sufficient to make them feel ashamed and to protect them from such crimes in the future that their secret becomes known to the people; whereas for ordinary people, this principle alone is not sufficient for admonition. In this blessed hadith, attention is drawn towards appreciating this very moral virtue. However, if the nature of the crime reaches the level of violating the limits set by Allah (hudud Allah), then the law of equality applies to everyone.