Hadith #7920

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,

ما أيْقَنَ بِاللّهِ مَنْ لَمْ يَرْعَ عُهُودَهُ وذِمَّتَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises and agreements, and it highlights the correlation between one's conviction in Allah and their adherence to these commitments.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ayqana) "أيْقَنَ" means to have certainty or conviction. It signifies a strong belief and unwavering faith in Allah. (ra'a) "رَعَ" means to observe, guard, or protect. It refers to the act of fulfilling promises and agreements. (uhud) "عُهُود" refers to covenants or promises, while (dhimmah) "ذِمَّت" refers to agreements or treaties.

To comprehend the significance of fulfilling promises and agreements, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:34),

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling commitments, as they will be questioned on the Day of Judgment. It is a reminder that we should honor our promises and agreements, as they hold great weight in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse highlights the obligation upon believers to fulfill all contracts and agreements. It serves as a reminder that our faith in Allah should manifest in our actions, including our commitment to honoring our promises.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the connection between our conviction in Allah and our adherence to promises and agreements. When we fail to fulfill our commitments, it reflects a lack of trust and conviction in Allah's commandments. It shows a disregard for the importance of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness, which are qualities highly valued in Islam.

Moreover, breaking promises and agreements can have severe consequences. It can lead to a breakdown of trust in relationships, whether personal, professional, or societal. It creates a sense of uncertainty and instability, as people become hesitant to enter into agreements with those who have proven themselves untrustworthy. This can have far-reaching effects on individuals and communities, hindering progress and cooperation.

Conversely, when we honor our promises and agreements, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's guidance and our commitment to upholding the values of Islam. It strengthens our relationships, fosters trust, and promotes a harmonious society. Fulfilling our commitments allows us to build a reputation of reliability and integrity, making us individuals that others can rely on and trust.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of fulfilling promises and agreements. It highlights the direct correlation between our conviction in Allah and our adherence to these commitments. By honoring our promises, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's commandments and uphold the values of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. Let us strive to be individuals who fulfill their commitments, thereby strengthening our relationships, fostering trust, and embodying the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be true to our word and fulfill our obligations.