Hadith #4777

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الإذاعة شيمة الأغيار" which can be translated as

Divulging [secrets] is the trait of outsiders [not that of believing Muslims].

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality and not disclosing private matters to others.

The word (al-idhā'ah) "الإذاعة" refers to the act of divulging or spreading information, especially secrets or private matters. It implies the act of sharing something that should be kept confidential. This includes revealing personal secrets, spreading rumors, or disclosing sensitive information without permission.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes this act as (shīmatu al-aġyār) "شيمة الأغيار", which can be translated as the trait or characteristic of outsiders. Here, (aġyār) "أغيار" refers to those who are not true believers or are not sincere in their faith. It signifies individuals who lack integrity, loyalty, and respect for others' privacy.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of guarding secrets and maintaining confidentiality in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the prohibition of spreading assumptions, backbiting, and spying on others. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of fellow Muslims. Divulging secrets and spreading rumors not only violates the rights of individuals but also creates division and discord within the community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:9), Allah says,

O you who have believed, when you converse privately, do not converse about sin and aggression and disobedience to the Messenger but converse about righteousness and piety. And fear Allah, to whom you will be gathered.

This verse encourages believers to engage in private conversations that promote righteousness and piety. It discourages discussing sinful or disobedient acts, as such discussions can lead to negative consequences and harm the unity of the Muslim community. Therefore, it is essential to uphold the principles of confidentiality and avoid divulging sensitive information that may cause harm or create discord among Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of trustworthiness, loyalty, and respect for others' privacy. By refraining from divulging secrets, we demonstrate our commitment to the principles of Islam and the teachings of the Quran. It fosters an environment of trust and unity within the Muslim community.

When we adhere to the teachings of Islam and refrain from divulging secrets, we protect the dignity and honor of our fellow Muslims. We create an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality, where individuals feel safe to confide in one another. This, in turn, strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

Conversely, when secrets are divulged, it can lead to severe consequences. It can damage relationships, breed mistrust, and create animosity among individuals. The act of spreading rumors and disclosing private matters not only violates the rights of others but also tarnishes our own character and integrity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the trust placed upon them. It urges us to reflect on our actions and strive to be trustworthy individuals who uphold the values of confidentiality and respect for others' privacy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality and refraining from divulging secrets. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the principles of trustworthiness, respect for privacy, and unity within the Muslim community. By adhering to these principles, we uphold the values of Islam and contribute to a harmonious and cohesive society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold these noble qualities.