Hadith #7877

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,

حُطْ عَهْدَكَ بِالوَفاءِ يَحْسُنْ لَكَ الجَزاءُ۔

This can be translated as,

Guard your promise with loyalty and your reward will be good.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. Firstly, it is important to understand the key words used in this Hadith.

The word (ahdaka) "عَهْدَكَ" refers to one's promise or covenant. It signifies a commitment made by an individual to fulfill certain obligations or responsibilities. This can be a promise made to Allah, to oneself, or to others.

The word (wafa') "وَفاءِ" means loyalty, faithfulness, and fulfilling one's obligations. It encompasses sincerity, honesty, and integrity in keeping one's word and fulfilling the promises made.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to guard our promises with loyalty, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling our commitments. This principle is not only applicable to our promises to others, but also to our promises to Allah and ourselves. By upholding our promises with loyalty, we can expect a good reward.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the significance of fulfilling our promises and the consequences of breaking them. 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 highlights the importance of fulfilling our commitments, as we will be held accountable for them. It reminds us that our promises should not be taken lightly, and we should strive to honor them.

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

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

This verse emphasizes the obligation upon believers to fulfill their contracts and promises. It serves as a reminder that fulfilling our commitments is an integral part of our faith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to guard our promises with loyalty is rooted in the teachings of the Quran. By fulfilling our promises, we not only maintain our integrity and trustworthiness, but we also strengthen our relationship with Allah and with others.

When we consistently fulfill our promises, we build a reputation of reliability and trustworthiness. This can lead to positive consequences in various aspects of our lives. People will have confidence in us, and we will be entrusted with greater responsibilities. Our words will carry weight, and our actions will have a positive impact on those around us.

Conversely, breaking our promises can have detrimental effects. It erodes trust, damages relationships, and tarnishes our reputation. It can lead to disappointment, resentment, and a loss of credibility. Moreover, breaking promises to Allah can result in spiritual consequences and a weakening of our connection with Him.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we should strive to be people of integrity who honor our commitments. Let us be mindful of the promises we make and ensure that we fulfill them to the best of our abilities. By doing so, we not only please Allah, but we also create a positive impact on our own lives and the lives of those around us.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to guard our promises with loyalty, and may He reward us with goodness in this world and the Hereafter.