Hadith #5717

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الصِّدْقُ يُنْجي۔" which translates to

Truthfulness saves [one from hardship].

This short but beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance and power of truthfulness in our lives.

Let us first explore the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (Al-Sidq) "الصِّدْقُ" refers to truthfulness, sincerity, and honesty. It is the act of speaking and acting in accordance with the truth, without any deception or falsehood. (Yunjī) "يُنْجي" means to save, deliver, or rescue someone from harm or difficulty.

To understand the significance of truthfulness, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and warns against its opposite, falsehood. 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 highlights the virtue of being truthful and encourages Muslims to associate themselves with those who embody this quality.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah praises the truthfulness of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions, stating, (Quran 33:40-44)

Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing. O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance and exalt Him morning and afternoon. It is He who confers blessing upon you, and His angels [ask Him to do so] that He may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And ever is He, to the believers, Merciful. Their greeting the Day they meet Him will be, 'Peace.' And He has prepared for them a noble reward

From these verses, we understand that truthfulness is not only a commendable attribute but also a means of attaining salvation and divine mercy. When we are truthful in our words and actions, we align ourselves with the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), and we become deserving of Allah's blessings and rewards.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that truthfulness is not only a moral virtue but also a practical tool for navigating the challenges and hardships of life. When we are truthful, we build trust with others, maintain healthy relationships, and avoid the pitfalls of deceit and hypocrisy. Truthfulness also protects us from the consequences of lying, such as loss of credibility, damaged reputation, and strained relationships.

Moreover, truthfulness brings peace and tranquility to our hearts and minds. When we live in accordance with the truth, we are free from the burden of guilt and anxiety that accompanies dishonesty. We can face the world with confidence, knowing that we have nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

In a broader sense, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that truthfulness is not limited to our interactions with others but extends to our relationship with Allah. We must be truthful in our worship, sincere in our intentions, and honest in our repentance. By embodying truthfulness in all aspects of our lives, we seek salvation not only in this world but also in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the profound significance of truthfulness in our lives. It is a virtue that saves us from hardship, both in this world and the hereafter. Let us strive to be people of truth, aligning our words and actions with the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), and seeking the salvation and mercy that comes with living a truthful life. May Allah guide us all on the path of truth and grant us success in this life and the next.