Hadith #2679

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

أخْسَرُ النّاسِ مَنْ قَدَرَ عَلى أنْ يَقُولَ الحَقَّ ولَمْ يَقُلْ۔

This Hadith highlights the great loss incurred by those who possess the ability to speak the truth but fail to do so.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (akhsar) "أخْسَرُ" means the biggest loser or the one who suffers the greatest loss. (annas) "النّاسِ" refers to people in general, encompassing all individuals. (qadara) "قَدَرَ" means to have the capability or power to do something. (yaqula) "يَقُولَ" means to speak or utter. And finally, (al-haqq) "الحَقَّ" refers to the truth.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:119), Allah says,

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

This verse encourages Muslims to align themselves with those who speak the truth, highlighting the significance of truthfulness in our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:181), Allah states,

And of those We created are a people who guide by truth and thereby do justice.

This verse emphasizes the role of truth in guiding people towards justice. It highlights the responsibility of individuals who possess knowledge and the ability to speak the truth to utilize it for the betterment of society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that failing to speak the truth despite having the capability to do so is a great loss. It reflects the importance of honesty, integrity, and courage in our interactions with others. By remaining silent when the truth needs to be spoken, we not only deprive ourselves of the rewards and blessings associated with truthfulness but also contribute to the perpetuation of falsehood and injustice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his knowledge and wisdom. He possessed a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam and the Quran. His words in this Hadith highlight the significance of utilizing one's knowledge and abilities to uphold the truth, even in challenging circumstances.

When we examine the consequences of not speaking the truth, we realize the far-reaching impact it can have. By remaining silent, we allow falsehood to prevail, leading to the erosion of trust, the perpetuation of injustice, and the distortion of reality. Our silence can also enable the spread of harmful ideologies and practices, causing harm to individuals and society as a whole.

On the other hand, speaking the truth, even when it is difficult, can have profound positive consequences. It can lead to the exposure of injustice, the restoration of rights, and the establishment of a just and equitable society. Speaking the truth also fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and promotes transparency and accountability.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of speaking the truth in all aspects of their lives. It calls upon us to embody the qualities of honesty, integrity, and courage, and to utilize our knowledge and abilities to uphold the truth. By doing so, we can contribute to the betterment of ourselves, our communities, and society at large.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to always speak the truth and protect us from being among the biggest losers. Ameen.