Hadith #1180

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما أقَلَّ الثِّقَة َالمُؤتَمَنَ، وأكْثَرَ الخَوَّانَ۔

This Hadith is a impactful saying made by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlighting the scarcity of trustworthy individuals and the abundance of those who are treacherous.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ath-thiqa) "الثِّقَة" refers to trustworthiness and reliability. It signifies the quality of being dependable and faithful in fulfilling one's responsibilities and commitments. The term (al-mu'taman) "المُؤتَمَنَ" refers to the one who is trusted, the person who is relied upon and considered reliable by others. On the other hand, the word (al-khawwan) "الخَوَّانَ" refers to those who are treacherous, deceitful, and untrustworthy. They betray the trust placed in them and are known for their dishonesty and disloyalty.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when they commit an immorality, they say, 'We found our fathers doing it, and Allah has ordered us to do it.' Say, 'Indeed, Allah does not order immorality. Do you say about Allah that which you do not know?'

This verse highlights the prevalence of individuals who follow the wrong path due to the influence of their ancestors or societal norms, rather than adhering to the true teachings of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse highlights the presence of individuals who may appear to be trustworthy and supportive, but in reality, they are working against the interests of the righteous.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can observe its relevance in our daily lives. In today's society, it is indeed rare to find individuals who are truly trustworthy and reliable. Many people prioritize their own interests over their commitments and responsibilities towards others. This lack of trustworthiness can be seen in various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, professional environments, and even in matters of faith.

The consequences of this lack of trustworthiness are far-reaching. It leads to broken relationships, shattered trust, and a general atmosphere of suspicion and doubt. When individuals cannot rely on one another, it becomes difficult to establish strong communities and societies based on mutual trust and cooperation. Moreover, the absence of trustworthiness hinders the progress and development of individuals and societies, as it creates an environment of uncertainty and instability.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, highlighted this issue to remind Muslims of the importance of being trustworthy and reliable. He emphasized the need for individuals to uphold their commitments, be honest in their dealings, and fulfill their responsibilities with integrity. By doing so, we can strive to be among the few who are truly trustworthy, rather than being part of the majority who are treacherous.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize trustworthiness and reliability in their lives. It highlights the scarcity of individuals who can be truly relied upon and the prevalence of those who betray trust. By reflecting on this Hadith and aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to be among the trustworthy few, contributing to the establishment of strong and trustworthy communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be trustworthy and protect us from the treachery of others.