Hadith #7889

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The basis of a promise is its fulfilment.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's promises and commitments. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (milak) "مِلاكُ" in the Hadith refers to the foundation or basis of something. It signifies the fundamental principle upon which a promise is built. It highlights the significance of upholding one's word and fulfilling the commitments made to others. This concept is further emphasized in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:34),

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

The word (wa'd) "وَعْدِ" in the Hadith means a promise or a pledge. It refers to a verbal or written agreement made between individuals, where one party commits to a certain action or behavior. Fulfilling this promise is of utmost importance, as it reflects one's integrity, trustworthiness, and moral character. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of fulfilling promises in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of fulfilling their promises. It encourages individuals to be true to their word and to honor their commitments. When we make a promise, whether it is to Allah, our fellow Muslims, or anyone else, it is our duty to fulfill it to the best of our ability. This principle is beautifully illustrated in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) in the Quran. When Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) did not hesitate to fulfill this difficult promise, demonstrating his unwavering faith and obedience to Allah's command.

Fulfilling promises has far-reaching consequences in our personal and societal lives. On an individual level, it strengthens our character, builds trust, and fosters healthy relationships. When we consistently fulfill our promises, we become reliable and dependable individuals whom others can count on. This, in turn, creates a harmonious and supportive community where people can rely on one another.

Moreover, fulfilling promises is not limited to our interactions with fellow human beings. It extends to our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as well. When we make a promise to Allah, such as performing our prayers, giving charity, or abstaining from sinful actions, it is imperative that we fulfill these commitments. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1),

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

This includes our covenant with Allah, which encompasses our obligations as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of fulfilling promises. It highlights the significance of upholding one's word and honoring commitments, both in our interactions with fellow human beings and in our relationship with Allah. By fulfilling our promises, we strengthen our character, build trust, and foster a harmonious community. May Allah guide us to be people of integrity who fulfill our promises and honor our commitments.