Hadith #3277

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِئسَ السَّجِيَّةُ الغُلُولُ۔" which translates to

The worst quality is treachery.

In this beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severity and repugnance of treachery, emphasizing its detrimental effects on individuals and society.

To understand the significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (sajiyah) "سَجِيَّةُ" refers to a quality or attribute, while (ghulul) "غُلُولُ" denotes treachery or betrayal. Treachery is an act of deceit, disloyalty, and betrayal towards someone who has placed their trust in you. It involves breaking promises, revealing secrets, or harming others for personal gain.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that condemn treachery and emphasize the importance of trustworthiness and loyalty. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:27),

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

This verse clearly warns against betraying the trust placed upon us, whether it is the trust of Allah, His Messenger, or the trust of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahina (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the believers,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of justice and righteousness towards others, even if they may not share the same faith or beliefs.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement about treachery serves as a reminder to Muslims about the gravity of this negative trait. Treachery not only harms the individual who is betrayed but also erodes the trust within a community. It undermines the foundations of relationships, weakens social bonds, and leads to discord and conflict.

The consequences of treachery are far-reaching. It destroys friendships, breaks families apart, and damages the fabric of society. Trust is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, and when it is broken, it becomes difficult to rebuild. Treachery breeds suspicion, fear, and animosity, creating a toxic environment where individuals are constantly on guard against betrayal.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, recognized the destructive nature of treachery. He understood that a society built on trust and loyalty is essential for its progress and prosperity. By highlighting the worst quality as treachery, he aimed to instill in Muslims the importance of honesty, integrity, and loyalty towards one another.

As Muslims, we are called upon to embody the values of trustworthiness and loyalty. We should strive to be individuals who fulfill their promises, keep their secrets, and remain steadfast in our commitments. By doing so, we contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society, where trust and mutual respect prevail.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of treachery. It urges us to uphold the values of trustworthiness and loyalty, as emphasized in the Quran. By avoiding treachery and cultivating trust within our communities, we can contribute to the betterment of society and the fulfillment of our responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these noble qualities and protect us from the harms of treachery.