Hadith #746

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of trusting and accepting the words of a liar. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep wisdom and knowledge, advises Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their interactions with others, especially when it comes to believing the words of someone who is known to be dishonest.

The word (musadaqah) "مُصادَقَةَ" in the Hadith refers to accepting or believing the words of someone. It is derived from the root word (sadaqa) "صَدَقَ", which means truthfulness or honesty. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against accepting the words of a liar, as doing so can have negative consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) explains that when we trust a liar, they will bring close to us that which is far and take far away from us that which is close. This statement carries a significance and can be understood in various ways.

One possible interpretation is that when we believe the lies of a deceitful person, they can manipulate us into getting closer to things that are harmful or detrimental to us. For example, a dishonest friend may convince us to engage in unethical activities or make choices that are against our best interests. By accepting their words, we unknowingly distance ourselves from what is truly beneficial and righteous.

On the other hand, when we trust a liar, they can also take away from us that which is close and valuable. This can refer to the loss of trust, relationships, and opportunities. When we rely on the words of a dishonest individual, we risk damaging our relationships with others who may be affected by their lies. Moreover, we may miss out on important opportunities or blessings that were within our reach, but were taken away due to our association with a liar.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and warns against the consequences of falsehood.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:81), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the inherent nature of falsehood to eventually be exposed and depart. It reminds us that truth will always prevail over lies and deceit. Therefore, it is crucial for us as Muslims to be discerning and cautious when it comes to accepting the words of others, especially those who have a history of dishonesty.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before accepting it as true. It encourages Muslims to investigate and seek the truth rather than blindly believing and spreading rumors or false statements. By doing so, we can avoid causing harm to others and prevent ourselves from falling into regret.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their interactions with others. It warns against accepting the words of a liar, as doing so can lead to harmful consequences and the loss of what is truly valuable. By seeking the truth, verifying information, and relying on trustworthy sources, we can protect ourselves from the deceitful tactics of those who seek to mislead us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us wisdom and discernment in our interactions and protect us from the influence of falsehood.