Hadith #2646

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Mani istahyaa min qawli al-haqqi fahuwa ahmaq.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth without hesitation or shame. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "istahyaa" in the Hadith means to feel ashamed or embarrassed. It refers to the reluctance or hesitation one may experience when it comes to speaking the truth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that such hesitation is a sign of foolishness. This implies that one who refrains from speaking the truth due to shame or fear lacks wisdom and understanding.

To understand the importance of speaking the truth, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of truthfulness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

This verse encourages Muslims to align themselves with those who uphold the truth, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in our actions and speech.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:81)

And say the truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.

This verse highlights the eternal nature of truth and the inevitable demise of falsehood. It reminds us that truth will always prevail, and it is our duty as Muslims to uphold and speak the truth without hesitation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that speaking the truth is not only a moral obligation but also a sign of wisdom and intelligence. It encourages us to overcome any feelings of shame or fear when it comes to conveying the truth, for it is through the truth that we can bring about positive change and establish justice.

When we examine the consequences of speaking the truth, we find numerous examples in Islamic history. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. His famous saying,

I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate,

exemplifies his unparalleled knowledge and understanding of Islam. Despite facing opposition and adversity, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) never hesitated to speak the truth, even if it meant standing alone.

One of the most profound examples of speaking the truth can be found in the life of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). When confronted by his people about their idol worship, Prophet Ibrahim fearlessly declared, (Quran 43:26-27)

Indeed, I am innocent of what you worship. Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me.

Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering commitment to the truth led him to challenge the falsehood of his society and ultimately paved the way for the establishment of monotheism.

As Muslims, we must reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to embody its teachings in our daily lives. We must overcome any hesitation or fear when it comes to speaking the truth, for it is through truthfulness that we can contribute to the betterment of society and establish justice. Let us remember that speaking the truth is not a sign of weakness but rather a manifestation of wisdom and intelligence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the courage and strength to always speak the truth and guide us on the path of righteousness.