Hadith #3301

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أقبَحُ الأخْلاقِ الخِيانَةُ۔" This translates to,

The most detestable of morals is treachery.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the gravity and repulsiveness of the act of treachery.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (Aqbah) "أقبَحُ" refers to something that is extremely ugly, repugnant, and detestable. It conveys the idea of something that is morally reprehensible and abhorrent. (al-akhlaq) "الأخْلاقِ" refers to morals or character traits, encompassing the behavioral and ethical aspects of an individual. And (al-khiyana) "الخِيانَةُ" means treachery, betrayal, or deceit.

This Hadith emphasizes the severity of treachery as a moral flaw. Treachery is a betrayal of trust, a breach of loyalty, and a violation of the rights of others. It is a characteristic that undermines the fabric of society, destroys relationships, and erodes the bonds of trust between individuals. Treachery is not only condemned in Islam but is also universally despised by people of all faiths and cultures.

The Quran provides several verses that reinforce the repugnance of treachery and emphasize the importance of trustworthiness and loyalty. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

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 trustworthy. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in being faithful to one's commitments and obligations. Treachery, on the other hand, is a complete contradiction to these values and is considered one of the worst moral traits.

Another verse that sheds light on the gravity of treachery is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:58), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And if you fear treachery from a people, throw back to them [their treaty] fairly or [at least] speak to them with kindness. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse instructs Muslims to respond to treachery with fairness and kindness. It encourages believers to uphold their moral principles even in the face of betrayal. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining integrity and ethical conduct, even when others may act treacherously.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of upholding trustworthiness and loyalty in their interactions with others. It highlights the detrimental consequences of treachery, both on an individual level and within society as a whole.

Treachery not only damages relationships and breaks trust but also leads to a breakdown of social cohesion and harmony. It creates an environment of suspicion and mistrust, making it difficult for individuals to rely on one another. This, in turn, hinders progress, cooperation, and the establishment of a just and compassionate society.

As Muslims, we are called upon to embody the noble qualities exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, provides us with a profound insight into the repugnance of treachery. By adhering to his teachings and the guidance of the Quran, we can strive to cultivate a society built on trust, loyalty, and integrity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the temptation of treachery and guide us to be people of honesty, trustworthiness, and loyalty. May we always strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and follow the path of righteousness.