مَن تَجَنَّبَ الكِذْبَ صُدِّقَتْ أقْوالُهُ۔
One who eschews lying, his words are accepted as true.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Liar)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
مَن تَجَنَّبَ الكِذْبَ صُدِّقَتْ أقْوالُهُ۔
This can be translated as,
One who eschews lying, his words are accepted as true.
Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
The key word in this Hadith is (lying) "الكِذْبَ", which refers to intentionally speaking falsehood or distorting the truth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of avoiding lies and falsehood. This highlights the significance of truthfulness in a Muslim's character and the impact it has on the credibility of their words.
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truthfulness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 9:119)
O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.
This verse encourages Muslims to be in the company of those who are truthful, highlighting the value of truthfulness in our relationships and interactions.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the successful believers, saying, (Quran 23:1-3)
Successful indeed are the believers, those who are humble in their prayers, and those who turn away from ill speech.
This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from false and harmful speech, which includes lying.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that when a person abstains from lying, their words hold weight and are accepted as true. This means that their statements become trustworthy and reliable in the eyes of others. When we consistently speak the truth, our words become a reflection of our character and integrity.
Lying not only damages our credibility, but it also leads to negative consequences in our personal and social lives. It erodes trust, causes misunderstandings, and can harm relationships. Conversely, truthfulness fosters trust, strengthens bonds, and promotes harmony within society.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. His adherence to truthfulness was exemplary, and his words carried immense weight and authority. Muslims should strive to emulate his noble qualities, including his commitment to truthfulness.
Reflecting on this Hadith, we should evaluate our own speech and strive to be truthful in all aspects of our lives. We should be cautious of the words we utter, ensuring that they are rooted in honesty and sincerity. By doing so, we not only uphold the teachings of Islam but also contribute to a more truthful and trustworthy society.
May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to eschew lying and to speak the truth in all circumstances. May He bless us with the character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and enable our words to be accepted as true.
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