Hadith #1186

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) states,

Trustworthiness is [a sign of] faith; cheerfulness is [a form of] kindness.

This hadith highlights two important qualities that every Muslim should strive to possess: trustworthiness and cheerfulness.

The word (أمانة) "amanah" in Arabic refers to trustworthiness, honesty, and integrity. It is a fundamental aspect of faith and a characteristic that distinguishes a true believer. The concept of amanah is emphasized in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:72),

Indeed, we offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined to bear it and feared it; but man [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant.

This ayah demonstrates that Allah entrusted human beings with the responsibility of upholding trustworthiness. It is a divine trust that should not be taken lightly. Trustworthiness is not limited to financial matters or keeping secrets; it encompasses all aspects of life. It means fulfilling our promises, being honest in our dealings, and being reliable in our commitments. Trustworthiness is a reflection of our faith in Allah and our commitment to His commandments.

Cheerfulness, on the other hand, is a form of kindness and a beautiful trait that brings joy and positivity to our interactions with others. The Arabic word used in the hadith for cheerfulness is (بَشَاشَةُ) "bashashah", which implies a genuine smile and a pleasant demeanor. It is a manifestation of kindness and compassion towards others.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to be kind and cheerful in their interactions. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This ayah teaches us the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. We should avoid ridiculing or belittling others, as it goes against the spirit of cheerfulness and kindness. Instead, we should strive to uplift and support one another, recognizing that everyone has their own strengths and virtues.

The combination of trustworthiness and cheerfulness is powerful. When we are trustworthy, we earn the trust and respect of others, and our actions align with the teachings of Islam. When we are cheerful, we bring happiness and positivity into the lives of those around us, fostering a sense of unity and love within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified these qualities throughout his life. His knowledge and wisdom were renowned, and he was known for his impeccable trustworthiness. People would entrust him with their valuables, knowing that he would safeguard them with utmost care. Additionally, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had a cheerful and kind disposition, always ready to lend a helping hand and bring a smile to the faces of those around him.

As Muslims, we should strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and embody the qualities of trustworthiness and cheerfulness. By doing so, we not only strengthen our faith but also contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to uphold trustworthiness and spread cheerfulness in our interactions.