Hadith #7926

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

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

ما أحْسَنَ الوَفاءَ وأقْبَحَ الجَفاءَ۔

This can be translated as,

How good is loyalty and how evil is treachery!

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between two opposing qualities - loyalty and treachery.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (al-wafa) "الوَفاءَ" refers to loyalty, faithfulness, and fulfilling one's obligations and promises. It encompasses sincerity, trustworthiness, and steadfastness in upholding one's commitments. On the other hand, (al-jafa) "الجَفاءَ" refers to treachery, betrayal, and breaking one's promises. It signifies disloyalty, deceitfulness, and the abandonment of responsibilities.

To understand the significance of loyalty and the severity of treachery, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of loyalty and fulfilling one's obligations in multiple verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling promises and being loyal to one's commitments. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in fulfilling obligations and being steadfast in upholding one's word. Loyalty is not limited to mere words, but it is demonstrated through actions and fulfilling the rights of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, Allah says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the importance of justice and standing firm for the truth, even in the face of adversity. Loyalty to Allah and His commands requires us to be just and fair in our dealings with others, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the virtues of loyalty and the dangers of treachery. Loyalty is a quality that strengthens relationships, builds trust, and fosters unity within the community. It is a reflection of one's integrity and commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities. Conversely, treachery undermines trust, destroys relationships, and leads to discord and division.

The consequences of loyalty and treachery can be seen throughout history. Examples from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself illustrate the importance of loyalty. His unwavering loyalty to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his commitment to upholding the principles of Islam earned him the title of "Lion of Allah." His loyalty was not limited to words, but it was demonstrated through his actions on the battlefield, in his governance, and in his unwavering support for justice.

Conversely, treachery has had devastating consequences throughout history. The betrayal of trust and the breaking of promises have led to wars, conflicts, and the downfall of nations. Treachery undermines the fabric of society and erodes the trust that holds communities together.

As Muslims, we are called upon to embody the qualities of loyalty and to distance ourselves from treachery. We should strive to fulfill our obligations, honor our commitments, and remain steadfast in upholding the principles of justice and righteousness. By doing so, we contribute to the building of a just and harmonious society, guided by the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of loyalty and the severity of treachery. It calls upon Muslims to embody the virtues of loyalty, sincerity, and trustworthiness, while warning against the destructive consequences of treachery and betrayal. By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can strive to be true servants of Allah, upholding the principles of justice and righteousness in all our actions. May Allah guide us all on the path of loyalty and protect us from the pitfalls of treachery.