Hadith #25

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound connection between the inner thoughts and intentions of a person and their outward expressions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that whatever a person conceals in their heart will eventually manifest itself through unintentional words from their tongue and the expressions on their face.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (admar) "أَضْمَرَ" means to conceal or hide something within oneself. It refers to the thoughts, intentions, and feelings that a person keeps hidden in their heart. The word (zahara) "ظَهَرَ" means to become apparent or manifest. It signifies that the concealed thoughts and intentions will eventually become evident through unintentional words and facial expressions.

This profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:4):

And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?

This verse highlights the connection between a person's outward appearance and their inner reality. The hypocrites mentioned in this verse had concealed their true intentions and beliefs, but their insincerity was eventually exposed through their speech and behavior. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the hidden thoughts and intentions of a person will inevitably find expression through their unintentional words and facial expressions.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qalam (68:42):

The Day the shin will be uncovered and they are invited to prostration but the disbelievers will not be able,

This verse speaks of the Day of Judgment when the true nature of people's hearts will be exposed. Just as the hidden thoughts and intentions of individuals will be revealed on that day, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that even in this world, the concealment of thoughts and intentions is not permanent. They will eventually manifest themselves through unintentional words and facial expressions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound teaching in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their inner thoughts and intentions. It urges us to strive for sincerity and purity of heart, knowing that our true nature will eventually be revealed. We should be cautious of the unintentional words that escape our tongues and the expressions that appear on our faces, as they can betray our hidden thoughts and intentions.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages Muslims to constantly monitor their inner selves, purify their hearts, and align their thoughts, intentions, and actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can strive to become individuals whose inner and outer selves are in harmony, reflecting the beauty and sincerity of our faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound connection between our inner thoughts and intentions and our outward expressions. It reminds us that whatever we conceal in our hearts will eventually manifest itself through unintentional words and facial expressions. This teaching finds support in the Quranic verses that highlight the connection between a person's inner reality and their outward appearance. Muslims are encouraged to be mindful of their inner selves, strive for sincerity, and constantly align their thoughts, intentions, and actions with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our hearts and be true to our faith in both our inner and outer selves.