Is it permissible to say, "I am ashamed before Allah and I fear Him," before committing a sin? Is it correct to add the phrase "I respect Allah"? And what is the ruling on one who is more ashamed before people or respects them more than Allah?

Fear of Allah and shyness before Him are two legitimate acts of worship of the heart, while respect falls under the servitude of glorification. A servant should evoke his fear of Allah and shyness before Him when committing a sin, and defend himself if tempted to disobey.

Shyness before people, when it is stronger than shyness before Allah, is blameworthy and indicates weak faith, but it does not reach the level of disbelief. Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that prioritizing the love of others over the love of Allah is a sin, and Allah has addressed the believers in the Quran regarding this matter.

Allah, the Most High, knows everything: what was, what will be, and what would have been if it had been.