Hadith #1255

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

عَلَى الصِّدْقِ والأمانَةِ مَبْنَى الإيمانِ

which translates to

It is on truth and trust that faith is based.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the foundational principles of faith in Islam.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (truth) "صِدْقِ" refers to sincerity, honesty, and the absence of falsehood. It encompasses being truthful in speech, actions, and intentions. (trust) "أَمَانَةِ" refers to fulfilling one's responsibilities, being reliable, and maintaining the trust placed upon oneself. It includes being trustworthy in matters of wealth, secrets, and promises.

To understand the significance of truth and trust in Islam, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:81),

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

This verse emphasizes the eternal nature of truth and the inevitable demise of falsehood. It highlights the importance of adhering to truth in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1),

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

This verse emphasizes the significance of trustworthiness in fulfilling agreements and contracts. It reminds Muslims of the importance of upholding their responsibilities and maintaining the trust others have placed in them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for our faith and character. Faith, in its true essence, is built upon the pillars of truth and trust. When we embody these qualities, we strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow Muslims.

Practicing truthfulness in our speech means speaking honestly and avoiding lies, deception, and exaggeration. It means being sincere in our intentions and ensuring that our words reflect our true beliefs. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70),

O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our speech and to always speak the truth.

Being trustworthy in our actions means fulfilling our obligations, being reliable, and maintaining the trust others have placed in us. This includes fulfilling our promises, being punctual, and respecting the rights of others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8),

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 emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and trustworthiness.

When we embody truth and trust in our lives, we not only strengthen our faith but also inspire others to do the same. Our actions become a reflection of our beliefs, and our character becomes a testament to the beauty of Islam. By upholding truth and trust, we contribute to the establishment of a just and trustworthy society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that faith is built upon the foundations of truth and trust. It reminds us of the importance of being truthful in our speech and trustworthy in our actions. By adhering to these principles, we strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody truth and trust in all aspects of our lives.