Hadith #9080

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,

الكذب يردي مصاحبه، وينجي مجانبه

which translates to

Lying destroys the one who accompanies it and saves the one who eschews it.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of falsehood and the salvation that comes with avoiding it.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "الكذب" refers to lying or falsehood. It encompasses any form of deception or dishonesty in speech or action. "يردي" means to destroy or ruin, indicating the detrimental consequences that lying brings upon an individual. "مصاحبه" refers to the one who accompanies or engages in lying, while "ينجي" means to save or protect, signifying the positive outcome for the one who avoids falsehood. Lastly, "مجانبه" refers to the one who eschews or refrains from lying.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of truthfulness and the severe consequences of lying. In Surah Al-Isra (17:81), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed, falsehood is ever bound to depart.'

This verse highlights the eternal nature of truth and the inevitable demise of falsehood. It serves as a reminder that lying is transient and will ultimately be exposed and discredited.

Furthermore, in Surah Az-Zumar (39:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth so you may judge between the people by that which Allah has shown you. And do not be for the deceitful an advocate.

This verse emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in judgment and discourages any support or advocacy for those who engage in deceit.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. Lying not only destroys the reputation and credibility of the one who engages in it but also tarnishes the trust and relationships of those associated with them. When falsehood becomes a habit, it erodes the very fabric of society, leading to a breakdown of trust and harmony.

On the other hand, the one who refrains from lying is saved from the negative consequences that accompany falsehood. By adhering to the path of truth, individuals uphold their integrity, gain the trust of others, and maintain healthy relationships. Moreover, truthfulness is a quality that is highly valued by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and is a characteristic of the righteous. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

This verse highlights the elevated status and rewards that await those who embody truthfulness.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the destructive nature of lying and the importance of adhering to truthfulness. By avoiding falsehood, individuals not only protect themselves from the negative consequences but also uphold their integrity and maintain healthy relationships. Let us strive to be people of truth, for it is through truthfulness that we attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and establish a just and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of truth and protect us from the pitfalls of falsehood.