Hadith #9115

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاشيمَةَ أقْبَحُ مِنَ الكِذْبِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no trait more repulsive than lying.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the gravity and ugliness of lying, emphasizing its detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of truthfulness and the consequences of falsehood. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42),

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse admonishes Muslims to uphold the truth and avoid mixing it with falsehood or concealing it knowingly. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:81), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse highlights the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood. It reassures Muslims that no matter how prevalent falsehood may seem, it is destined to perish, while truth will always prevail. This serves as a reminder to Muslims to always adhere to the path of truth, for it is the path of righteousness and success.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

There is no trait more repulsive than lying,

resonates with these Quranic teachings. Lying not only contradicts the principles of honesty and integrity but also undermines the very fabric of trust within society. When individuals resort to falsehood, they deceive others, causing harm, confusion, and discord. This leads to a breakdown in relationships, both personal and societal, as trust is eroded.

Moreover, lying has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond immediate harm. It tarnishes one's character and integrity, diminishing their credibility and reliability. A person who habitually lies loses the trust and respect of others, making it difficult for them to establish meaningful connections and gain the support of their community. This isolation can have detrimental effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being.

Furthermore, lying can have severe consequences in the realm of religion. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Zumar (39:3),

Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.

This verse highlights the danger of distorting the truth or rejecting it out of envy or animosity. Lying about religious matters or spreading falsehoods can lead to disbelief and spiritual corruption.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of truthfulness in all aspects of life. It urges us to uphold the principles of honesty and integrity, for they are the foundation of a just and harmonious society. By adhering to the truth, we not only fulfill our moral obligations but also contribute to the betterment of our communities. Let us strive to be people of truth, for there is no trait more repulsive than lying. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and protect us from the temptations of falsehood.