Hadith #1198

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,

فازَ مَنْ تَجَلْبَبَ الوَفاءَ، وادَّرَعَ الأمانَةَ۔

This can be translated as,

Successful is the one who clothes himself with loyalty and arms himself with trustworthiness.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (tajalbab) "تَجَلْبَبَ" means to clothe oneself with, to adorn oneself with. Here, it signifies the act of embracing loyalty and making it an integral part of one's character. (al-wafa) "الوَفاءَ" refers to loyalty, faithfulness, and fulfilling one's commitments. It encompasses being true to one's word, honoring agreements, and remaining steadfast in relationships.

Similarly, (addara'a) "ادَّرَعَ" means to arm oneself with, to equip oneself with. In this context, it signifies the act of embracing trustworthiness and making it a shield against dishonesty and deceit. (al-amana) "الأمانَةَ" refers to trustworthiness, integrity, and fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to us. It includes being reliable, honest, and maintaining the trust of others.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1),

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our commitments and honoring the agreements we make. It highlights the significance of loyalty in our interactions with others, be it in personal relationships, business dealings, or societal responsibilities.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of trustworthiness in our actions and dealings. It encourages us to arm ourselves with integrity and honesty, ensuring that our actions are guided by the principles of trustworthiness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that true success lies in embodying loyalty and trustworthiness. When we clothe ourselves with loyalty, we become individuals who are committed to fulfilling our promises and remaining steadfast in our relationships. This quality fosters trust, strengthens bonds, and creates a harmonious environment in our personal and social lives.

Similarly, when we arm ourselves with trustworthiness, we become individuals who are reliable, honest, and fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to us. This quality not only enhances our own character but also inspires trust in others. It allows us to contribute positively to our communities, as people rely on us and have confidence in our abilities.

The consequences of embracing loyalty and trustworthiness are far-reaching. In our personal lives, it leads to stronger and more fulfilling relationships. It builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect, allowing us to navigate challenges and conflicts with integrity. In our professional lives, it enhances our reputation and opens doors for opportunities. Employers, colleagues, and clients value individuals who are loyal and trustworthy, as they are seen as reliable and dependable.

Moreover, embracing loyalty and trustworthiness has broader societal implications. It fosters a culture of honesty, accountability, and ethical behavior. It contributes to the establishment of a just and fair society, where individuals can rely on one another and work together for the common good. It creates an environment where trust is the norm, and people can feel secure in their interactions.

As Muslims, we are called to embody the teachings of the Quran and the noble examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for us to prioritize loyalty and trustworthiness in our lives. By doing so, we can attain true success, both in this world and in the hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to clothe ourselves with loyalty and arm ourselves with trustworthiness. May He bless us with the strength to fulfill our commitments and remain steadfast in our responsibilities. And may He enable us to contribute to the establishment of a just and trustworthy society. Ameen.