Hadith #7928

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

وَفاءٌ بِالذِّمَمِ (وَفاءُ الذِّمَمِ)زينَةُ الْكَرَمِ۔

This can be translated as

Fulfilling [one’s] pledges is the adornment of honour.

Let us delve into the meaning of this beautiful saying. The word (wafā'un) "وَفاءٌ" means fulfillment or loyalty. It signifies the act of fulfilling one's promises and obligations. The term (bil-thimām) "بِالذِّمَمِ" refers to pledges or commitments that one has made. It encompasses all types of promises, contracts, and agreements that a person enters into.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes fulfilling these pledges as the (zeenatul karam) "زينَةُ الْكَرَمِ", which can be translated as the adornment of honor. This implies that fulfilling one's commitments is not only a virtuous act but also adds to one's dignity and nobility.

To further understand the significance of fulfilling pledges, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:34)

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

This verse highlights that fulfilling commitments is a matter of accountability. We will be questioned about our promises and how we fulfilled them. It is a reflection of our integrity and character. By honoring our pledges, we demonstrate our trustworthiness and reliability, qualities that are highly esteemed in Islam.

Another verse that emphasizes the significance of fulfilling pledges is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah. Allah says, (Quran 5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an] - hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram. Indeed, Allah ordains what He intends.

This verse not only emphasizes the importance of fulfilling contracts but also highlights the exceptions to this rule. It reminds us that fulfilling pledges is a general principle, but there may be specific circumstances where exceptions are allowed. This verse serves as a reminder that fulfilling pledges should be our default behavior, except in cases where it is explicitly prohibited or restricted.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of fulfilling their commitments, whether they are personal, financial, or social. It encourages us to be people of integrity, honor, and trustworthiness. By honoring our promises, we not only fulfill our obligations but also enhance our reputation and character.

Fulfilling pledges has far-reaching consequences. It strengthens relationships, builds trust, and fosters a sense of community. When individuals fulfill their commitments, society as a whole benefits from stability and harmony. Conversely, when promises are broken, it leads to discord, mistrust, and a breakdown of social bonds.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's statement, we can ask ourselves: Are we fulfilling our pledges to the best of our abilities? Are we honoring our promises, both big and small? Are we known for our trustworthiness and reliability?

Let us strive to be individuals who fulfill their pledges, for it is not only a means of attaining honor and dignity but also a way to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us in fulfilling our commitments and grant us the strength and determination to be people of integrity and honor.