Hadith #3451

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The highest form of treachery is the treachery of a beloved friend and the breaking of pledges.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word "treachery" is translated from the Arabic word (خِيانَةِ) "khianah", which refers to betrayal or deceit. The word "beloved friend" is translated from (خِلِّ الوَدُودِ) "khill al-wadood", which signifies a close and trusted companion. Lastly, the phrase "breaking of pledges" is translated from (نَقْضُ العُهُودِ) "naqd al-uhud", which refers to the violation of promises or agreements.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of trust, loyalty, and fulfilling promises in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:27), Allah says,

O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].

This verse highlights the gravity of betraying trusts, which includes breaking promises and violating agreements.

Furthermore, the Quran provides examples of treachery and its consequences. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:100), Allah recounts the story of a group of people who were given the Book but altered it and concealed some of its teachings. This act of treachery not only violated their trust but also led them astray and caused corruption among the people. Similarly, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:13), Allah mentions the treachery of the Children of Israel who broke their covenant with Allah by worshipping the golden calf. This betrayal resulted in severe consequences and loss of divine blessings.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The treachery of a beloved friend is considered the highest form of betrayal because it involves breaking the trust and confidence placed in them. A beloved friend is someone we trust, confide in, and rely upon. When such a person betrays our trust, it causes immense pain and disappointment.

Similarly, the breaking of pledges is a grave offense because it undermines the foundation of trust and integrity. When we make promises or agreements, we are expected to fulfill them with sincerity and honesty. Breaking these pledges not only damages our credibility but also disrupts the harmony and stability of relationships, communities, and societies.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, highlights the significance of trust and loyalty in this Hadith. He reminds us of the importance of upholding our commitments and being loyal to those who trust us. By doing so, we maintain the bonds of friendship, foster trust, and contribute to the overall well-being of society.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and relationships. It urges us to be cautious in choosing our friends and companions, ensuring that we surround ourselves with individuals who are trustworthy and loyal. It also emphasizes the need for self-reflection, reminding us to evaluate our own behavior and ensure that we do not engage in treacherous acts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the gravity of treachery, particularly when it comes from a beloved friend and involves the breaking of pledges. It reminds us of the importance of trust, loyalty, and fulfilling our commitments, as emphasized in the Quran. By adhering to these principles, we can cultivate strong and trustworthy relationships, contributing to the well-being of ourselves and our communities. May Allah guide us to be trustworthy and loyal Muslims.