Hadith #4405

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أكْثَرَ الاِسْتِرسالَ نَدِمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who confides a lot in others regrets.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word "اِسْتِرسالَ" is derived from the root word "س ر س" which means to confide, disclose, or share one's secrets with others. It refers to the act of entrusting personal matters or secrets to someone. The word "نَدِمَ" means to regret or feel remorseful.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin.

This verse highlights the importance of not sharing our assumptions or suspicions with others, as it can lead to negative consequences and regret.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not divulging information that we do not have certainty about. Sharing such information can lead to regret and accountability before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the consequences of excessive confiding. When we confide in others too much, we risk exposing our vulnerabilities, secrets, and personal matters to those who may not have our best interests at heart. This can lead to betrayal, gossip, and even harm to our reputation or well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to be cautious and discerning in choosing whom we confide in. It is important to confide in those who are trustworthy, sincere, and have our best interests at heart. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of maintaining the sanctity of personal matters and guarding one's secrets.

By reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded to exercise wisdom and discretion in sharing our personal matters. We should be mindful of the potential consequences and regret that may arise from excessive confiding. It is crucial to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to confide in Him through sincere supplication and prayer. Allah is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing, and the Best of Protectors.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a valuable reminder for Muslims to be cautious in confiding too much in others. By exercising discretion and seeking Allah's guidance, we can avoid potential regrets and protect our personal matters. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our confidants wisely and protect us from the harm that may arise from excessive confiding.