Hadith #7930

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لِكُلِّ ناكِث شُبْهَةٌ۔" which translates to

For every pledge that is broken there is uncertainty.

This enlightening saying holds deep wisdom and guidance for Muslims, reminding us of the consequences of breaking our promises and the doubts that arise as a result.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (nakith) "ناكِث" refers to someone who breaks or violates a pledge, promise, or covenant. It encompasses any act of betrayal or unfaithfulness towards a commitment. The word (shubhah) "شُبْهَةٌ" refers to uncertainty, doubt, or ambiguity. It signifies the state of confusion and lack of clarity that arises when a promise is broken.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's promises and the consequences of breaking them. In Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah says,

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse highlights the obligation upon Muslims to honor their commitments and warns of the accountability that awaits those who fail to do so.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah states,

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

This verse emphasizes the general principle of fulfilling all contracts and agreements, including pledges and promises. It serves as a reminder that breaking a promise is not only a betrayal of trust but also a violation of the commandments of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the consequences of breaking a pledge. When a promise is broken, uncertainty and doubt arise. The trust that was once established is shattered, and the reliability of the individual is called into question. This not only affects the relationship between individuals but also has broader implications for society as a whole.

For example, imagine a scenario where a person promises to repay a loan but fails to do so. The lender, who relied on this promise, now faces uncertainty and doubt about the borrower's integrity. This can lead to strained relationships, financial hardships, and a breakdown of trust within the community. Similarly, in personal relationships, breaking promises can lead to emotional distress, damaged friendships, and a loss of faith in others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of upholding their commitments and the consequences that follow when promises are broken. It encourages us to be people of integrity, honesty, and reliability. By fulfilling our pledges, we not only maintain trust and harmony in our relationships but also uphold the values and teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that for every pledge that is broken, there is uncertainty. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our promises and the consequences that arise when we fail to do so. As Muslims, we should strive to be people of integrity, honoring our commitments and maintaining trust in our relationships. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be true to our word and protect us from the doubts and uncertainties that come with breaking our promises.