Hadith #5753

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the unfortunate state of society, where truthfulness has diminished and dishonesty has become widespread. He further mentions that people express love with their tongues, while harboring hatred in their hearts towards one another.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this hadith. The word (ghada) "غاضَ" is derived from the root (ghadawa) "غَدَوَ", which means to diminish or decrease. It signifies the decline of truthfulness among the people. On the other hand, (faada) "فاضَ" is derived from the root (fawada) "فَوَضَ", which means to overflow or become abundant. It represents the prevalence of dishonesty in society.

The word (ustu'milat) "وَاسْتُعْمِلَتِ" is derived from the root (amala) "عَمَلَ", which means to employ or utilize. Here, it refers to the utilization of love through mere words and superficial expressions. Lastly, (tasha'hanu) "تَشاحَنُوا" is derived from the root (shahana) "شَحَنَ", which means to hate or detest. It signifies the existence of deep-seated animosity and enmity in people's hearts.

To understand the significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Tawbah, Allah says, (Quran 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true

This verse urges Muslims to associate themselves with those who are truthful, highlighting the significance of truthfulness in our relationships.

Furthermore, Allah warns against the consequences of dishonesty in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, stating, (Quran 83:1-3)

Woe to those who give less [than due], who, when they take a measure from people, take in full. But if they give by measure or by weight to them, they cause loss

This verse highlights the negative consequences of dishonesty and cheating, which can lead to loss and destruction in both worldly and spiritual matters.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith sheds light on the moral decay of society, where truthfulness is diminishing and dishonesty is flourishing. People have become adept at using words to express love and affection, while their hearts are filled with hatred and animosity towards one another. This hypocrisy not only damages interpersonal relationships but also weakens the fabric of society as a whole.

The consequences of this state of affairs are far-reaching. Trust, which is the foundation of any healthy relationship, is eroded when truthfulness is lacking. Without trust, individuals and communities cannot thrive, as suspicion and doubt become the norm. Moreover, the prevalence of dishonesty leads to corruption, injustice, and the breakdown of social cohesion.

As Muslims, we are called upon to reflect on this hadith and strive to rectify our own behavior. We must prioritize truthfulness in our words and actions, ensuring that our hearts are aligned with our tongues. This requires introspection and self-accountability, as well as a commitment to fostering genuine love and compassion towards others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to recognize the importance of truthfulness and sincerity in our interactions. It reminds us of the dire consequences of dishonesty and the need to cultivate genuine love and unity within our communities. May Allah guide us all to the path of truthfulness and grant us the strength to overcome the challenges of hypocrisy and animosity.