Hadith #2056

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.

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

Liberty is free of malice and deception.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "hurriyah" in Arabic refers to "liberty" or "freedom." It signifies the state of being free from any form of oppression, bondage, or restriction. It encompasses the ability to exercise one's rights and make choices without interference or coercion. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true liberty is devoid of malice and deception.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256:

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the principle of freedom of religion, emphasizing that no one should be forced or compelled to adopt a particular faith. It affirms the importance of individual choice and the absence of coercion in matters of belief. True liberty, as emphasized by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is rooted in the freedom to choose one's own path without any malice or deception.

Furthermore, the Quran also emphasizes the importance of honesty and sincerity in our interactions with others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11:

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with respect, refraining from mockery, insults, and offensive language. It emphasizes the need for sincerity and kindness in our interactions, free from any form of deception or ill intentions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true liberty is not just about personal freedom, but also about treating others with fairness and integrity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for our personal and societal lives. It reminds us that true freedom is not merely the absence of physical constraints but also the absence of malice and deception in our thoughts, words, and actions. It calls upon Muslims to embody the values of honesty, sincerity, and respect in all aspects of life.

When we embrace true liberty, we create an environment where individuals can exercise their rights and make choices without fear or manipulation. It fosters a society based on justice, equality, and mutual respect. By adhering to the principles of liberty devoid of malice and deception, we contribute to the betterment of ourselves and our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true liberty is not just about personal freedom but also about treating others with fairness and integrity. It calls upon Muslims to embody the values of honesty, sincerity, and respect in all aspects of life. By doing so, we create an environment where individuals can exercise their rights and make choices without fear or manipulation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to uphold true liberty in our lives.