Hadith #7903

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, "الوعد أحد الرقين" which translates to

The promise [that is made] is one of the two bondages.

To understand the deeper meaning of this statement, let us analyze the key words and their implications.

Firstly, the word (al-wa'd) "الوعد" refers to a promise or a commitment made by an individual. It signifies an agreement or a pledge to fulfill a certain action or obligation. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the significance of fulfilling one's promises.

The word (ahad) "أحد" means one or single. Here, it signifies that the promise being referred to is one of two types of bondages. This implies that when a promise is made, it can either lead to a positive outcome or a negative consequence, depending on whether it is fulfilled or broken.

To further understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises in several verses. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the obligation upon Muslims to fulfill their promises and contracts.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah says,

And fulfill every commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse emphasizes the accountability that individuals will face for their promises and commitments on the Day of Judgment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that when they make a promise, they are bound by it. Fulfilling promises is not only a moral obligation but also a means of upholding one's integrity and trustworthiness. It reflects the character of a true believer.

When a promise is fulfilled, it strengthens relationships, builds trust, and fosters a sense of reliability. Conversely, breaking a promise leads to disappointment, mistrust, and the erosion of relationships. It is important to recognize the consequences of our actions and the impact they have on ourselves and those around us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance encourages Muslims to reflect on their own behavior and the promises they make. It serves as a reminder to honor commitments and fulfill promises, as this is a reflection of one's faith and character.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of fulfilling promises. It reminds Muslims of the importance of upholding their commitments and the consequences of breaking them. By honoring our promises, we strengthen our relationships, build trust, and demonstrate our integrity as believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to fulfill our promises and grant us the ability to be people of integrity and trustworthiness.