Hadith #2655

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a wise utterance that highlights a common phenomenon among people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

How numerous are those who admit to the truth but do not follow it!

This statement emphasizes the discrepancy between acknowledging the truth and actually adhering to it.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (ya'tarifu) "يَعْتَرِفُ" means to admit or acknowledge, while (bil-haqq) "بِالحَقِّ" refers to the truth. The word (yuti'uhu) "يُطيعُهُ" means to obey or follow. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fact that many individuals recognize and accept the truth but fail to act upon it.

This concept is not only mentioned in this Hadith but is also emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:146),

Those to whom We gave the Scripture recognize it as they recognize their [own] sons. But indeed, a party of them conceal the truth while they know [it].

This verse highlights that some people, despite having knowledge of the truth, choose to hide it or disregard it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:71), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And if the truth had followed their inclinations, the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them would have been ruined. Rather, We have brought them their message, but they, from their message, are turning away.

This verse emphasizes that even though the truth has been conveyed to people, they often turn away from it due to their own desires and inclinations.

The consequences of admitting to the truth but not following it are significant. It leads to a state of hypocrisy and inconsistency in one's actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against this in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:1),

When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say,

We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah.

And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.

This verse highlights that merely professing belief in the truth without sincere adherence to it is considered hypocrisy in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for all Muslims. It urges us to not only acknowledge the truth but also to actively follow it in our lives. It calls upon us to align our actions with our beliefs and to strive for consistency and sincerity in our faith.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we should ask ourselves whether we are among those who merely admit to the truth or if we are truly following it. Are we consistent in our actions and do we strive to align our lives with the teachings of Islam? Let us remember that true faith requires not only recognizing the truth but also embodying it in our words, deeds, and character.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the truth and grant us the strength to live our lives in accordance with His teachings. May He protect us from the trap of hypocrisy and enable us to be sincere and steadfast in our faith. Ameen.