Hadith #8054

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure family, his noble companions, and all the righteous Muslims.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Treachery with the treacherous is loyalty in the sight of Allah, the Glorified.

This impactful saying highlights the importance of maintaining loyalty even in the face of betrayal. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (الغَدْرُ) "ghadr" refers to treachery or betrayal. It signifies the act of deceiving or betraying someone's trust. Treachery is considered a grave sin in Islam, as it goes against the principles of honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity that are emphasized in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The word (أهْلِ الغَدْرِ) "ahli al-ghadr" refers to the treacherous or those who engage in acts of betrayal. These individuals are known for their deceitful behavior and lack of loyalty towards others. They break their promises, deceive others, and act in a manner that undermines trust and unity within the community.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the exegesis of this Hadith. 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 justice and righteousness, even if they may have wronged us or betrayed our trust. It teaches us that loyalty to Allah is not limited to those who are loyal to us, but extends to all individuals, regardless of their actions towards us. By maintaining loyalty and acting justly towards those who have betrayed us, we demonstrate our commitment to the principles of Islam and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the importance of unity and reconciliation among believers. It reminds us that we are all part of the same Ummah and should strive to resolve conflicts and maintain harmonious relationships. Even in the face of treachery, it is our duty as Muslims to seek reconciliation and forgiveness, rather than perpetuating a cycle of betrayal and animosity.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that loyalty is not contingent upon the actions of others, but rather a reflection of our own character and faith. When we remain loyal to those who have betrayed us, we demonstrate our commitment to the principles of Islam and our trust in Allah's justice. This loyalty is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to our strength and resilience as Muslims.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality of unwavering loyalty and forgiveness. Despite facing numerous betrayals and conspiracies throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his commitment to justice and mercy. His knowledge and understanding of the Quran guided his actions, and he forgave those who had wronged him, seeking to reconcile and unite the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of maintaining loyalty and acting justly, even in the face of treachery. It reminds us that our loyalty should not be based on the actions of others, but rather on our own commitment to the principles of Islam. By embodying the qualities of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, we can strive to create a society that is rooted in justice and guided by the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody these principles in our lives.