Hadith #9116

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most prevalent thing [among the people] is lying and treachery.

This Hadith highlights two grave sins that are unfortunately widespread in society: lying and treachery.

The word (lying) "كِذْبُ" refers to intentionally speaking falsehood or distorting the truth. It is an act that contradicts the essence of Islam, which emphasizes honesty, integrity, and truthfulness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:42),

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

This verse clearly condemns the act of lying and emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth.

Similarly, the word (treachery) "خِيانَةُ" refers to betrayal or deceit towards others. It involves breaking trust, violating agreements, and acting dishonestly towards those who have placed their trust in us. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against treachery in the Quran (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:27),

O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].

These two sins, lying and treachery, have severe consequences both in this world and the hereafter. They destroy relationships, erode trust, and lead to social discord and injustice. Moreover, they distance us from the path of righteousness and tarnish our character. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Zumar, 39:3),

Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the prevalence of these sins, indicating that they are not limited to a particular time or place. They exist in various forms and can manifest in our personal, professional, and social lives. It is our responsibility as Muslims to be vigilant and strive to eradicate these vices from our own behavior and society as a whole.

To combat lying and treachery, we must cultivate the values of honesty, trustworthiness, and loyalty within ourselves. We should remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the All-Knowing and All-Seeing, and He will hold us accountable for our actions. We should seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to develop a strong moral compass and adhere to the principles of truthfulness and trustworthiness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the prevalence of lying and treachery in society. It urges us to strive for truthfulness and trustworthiness in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society, guided by the principles of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the evils of lying and treachery and grant us the strength to uphold the values of honesty and integrity.