Hadith #9119

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The furthest of all people from goodness is the incessant liar and the brazen-faced.

This impactful saying highlights the detrimental nature of lying and having a shameless demeanor. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (kadhub) "كَذُوبُ" refers to the incessant liar, someone who habitually and persistently tells falsehoods. This person lacks integrity and honesty, and their words cannot be trusted. The word (waqah) "وَقاحِ" refers to someone who is brazen-faced, shameless, and audacious. This individual lacks modesty and shame, openly displaying inappropriate behavior without any sense of remorse or accountability.

To comprehend the gravity of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of lying in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 42, where He says,

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and the prohibition of mixing truth with falsehood. Lying not only distorts reality but also undermines trust and integrity within society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 30, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord.

This verse highlights the significance of upholding the sacred ordinances of Allah, which includes speaking the truth. Honoring these ordinances leads to goodness and righteousness, while disregarding them distances one from goodness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also sheds light on the detrimental nature of having a shameless and audacious demeanor. The Quran provides us with numerous examples of the consequences of such behavior. In Surah Al-Qalam, verse 10, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the arrogant and shameless individuals as

those who deny the truth and turn away from it.

Their audacity and lack of humility prevent them from accepting the truth and acknowledging their faults.

Moreover, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 146, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the story of the people of Moses (Musa) who displayed a brazen attitude towards the commandments of Allah. Their arrogance and refusal to follow the guidance of their Prophet led to their destruction. This serves as a reminder that a shameless demeanor can lead to severe consequences and distance one from goodness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of truthfulness and modesty. Lying erodes trust, damages relationships, and hinders personal growth. It is essential for Muslims to strive for honesty in their words and actions, as it is a fundamental aspect of their faith.

Additionally, having a shameless and audacious demeanor reflects a lack of humility and accountability. Muslims should cultivate a sense of modesty and shame in their behavior, always mindful of their actions and their impact on others. By doing so, they can foster a society built on integrity, trust, and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of lying and having a shameless demeanor. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of truthfulness and modesty, as these qualities are essential for personal growth and the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of righteousness and protect us from falsehood and audacity.