Hadith #7924

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,

مِنْ تَمامِ المُرُوَّةِ إنْجازُ الوَعْدِ۔

This can be translated as,

Keeping promises is from the perfection of [one’s] magnanimity.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tamam) "تَمَام" in this Hadith refers to perfection or completeness. It signifies the highest level of excellence and integrity. (al-murwah) "المُرُوَّة" is derived from the root word (mara) "مَرَا", which means to fulfill or complete. It refers to the quality of fulfilling one's obligations and commitments. (injaz) "إنجاز" means to accomplish or fulfill. And (al-waad) "الوَعْد" means a promise or commitment.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 34, Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the significance of honoring our commitments and fulfilling our promises. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for our words and actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 1, Allah says,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling contracts and agreements, which includes promises made to others. It is a commandment from Allah to uphold our commitments and not to break our promises.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that keeping promises is a manifestation of one's magnanimity and moral excellence. When we fulfill our commitments, we demonstrate our trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. It reflects our sincerity and honesty in our interactions with others.

Keeping promises has profound consequences in our personal and social lives. On a personal level, it builds trust and strengthens relationships. When we fulfill our promises, we earn the respect and admiration of others. People feel secure and confident in dealing with us, knowing that we are true to our word.

On a societal level, keeping promises fosters a culture of trust and cooperation. It promotes stability and harmony within communities. When individuals and institutions honor their commitments, it leads to the development of a just and equitable society. Conversely, a society where promises are broken and trust is eroded becomes fragmented and unstable.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be people of integrity and honor. We should be mindful of the promises we make and ensure that we fulfill them to the best of our abilities. We should not make promises lightly, but when we do, we should consider them as binding commitments.

As Muslims, we are ambassadors of our faith, and our actions speak louder than words. By fulfilling our promises, we embody the teachings of Islam and exemplify the character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, and his commitment to fulfilling his promises was a testament to his exemplary character.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of keeping promises. It is a reflection of our magnanimity and moral excellence. By fulfilling our commitments, we uphold the principles of trustworthiness and integrity taught in the Quran. Let us strive to be people of our word, honoring our promises and earning the trust and respect of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in fulfilling our obligations and grant us the strength to be true to our word.