Hadith #5508

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 noble companions.

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

مَنْ شَهِدَ لَكَ بِالباطِلِ شَهِدَ عَلَيْكَ بِمِثْلِهِ۔

This thought-provoking saying can be translated as,

One who gives false testimony for you will give a similar testimony against you.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by exploring the key words and their meanings. The word (shahida) "شَهِدَ" means to bear witness or testify. (bil-batil) "بِالباطِلِ" refers to falsehood or something that is untrue. (mithlihi) "مِثْلِهِ" means similar or equivalent.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 283,

And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a security deposit [should be] taken. And if one of you entrusts another, then let him who is entrusted discharge his trust [faithfully] and let him fear Allah, his Lord. And do not conceal testimony, for whoever conceals it - his heart is indeed sinful, and Allah is Knowing of what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of truthful testimony and warns against concealing it. It highlights the moral responsibility of giving accurate witness and not engaging in falsehood. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further reinforces this principle by stating that those who provide false testimony for someone will eventually face a similar false testimony against themselves.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us of the importance of knowledge and understanding before bearing witness. It cautions against spreading baseless accusations or false testimonies, as we will be held accountable for our words and actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims about the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of integrity in our testimonies. It highlights the principle of divine justice, where falsehood will eventually be exposed and returned to its source.

This Hadith also teaches us about the character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his deep understanding of human nature and the consequences of our actions. His wisdom and knowledge allowed him to articulate profound truths that resonate with believers from all backgrounds.

As Muslims, we should strive to uphold the principles of truthfulness and honesty in all aspects of our lives. We must be cautious not to bear false witness or engage in deceitful practices. By doing so, we not only protect our own integrity but also contribute to a just and righteous society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always speak the truth and grant us the wisdom to discern between right and wrong. May we be among those who are known for their honesty and integrity, and may we be protected from the consequences of false testimony.