Hadith #7893

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,

وَعْدُ الكَريمِ نَقْدٌ وتَعْجيلٌ۔

This can be translated as,

The promise of an honourable person is immediate and swift.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (promise) "وَعْدُ" refers to a commitment or assurance given by someone to fulfill a certain action or grant a particular favor. In this context, it signifies a pledge made by an honorable person. The term (honourable) "الكَريمِ" describes an individual who possesses noble qualities, such as generosity, integrity, and righteousness. It is important to note that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his exceptional knowledge, wisdom, and moral character.

Now, let us turn to the Quran for guidance and find verses that support the concept presented in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:81),

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

This verse highlights the inherent nature of truth to prevail over falsehood. Similarly, the promise of an honorable person is rooted in truth and sincerity, ensuring its fulfillment without delay.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

That is because Allah would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves. And indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the consistency and reliability of Allah's promises. Similarly, an honorable person, who is a reflection of Allah's attributes, upholds their commitments and fulfills their promises promptly.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of trustworthiness and integrity in our interactions with others. When an honorable person makes a promise, their words hold weight, and their actions align with their commitments. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be people of their word, fulfilling their promises promptly and without delay.

The immediate and swift nature of an honorable person's promise has profound implications. It fosters trust and strengthens relationships, as individuals can rely on the fulfillment of commitments. It also reflects the high moral standards and ethical conduct that Muslims should strive to embody. By upholding our promises, we emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were paragons of truthfulness and integrity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of honoring our commitments and fulfilling our promises promptly. It reminds us to be people of integrity, reflecting the noble qualities of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we strengthen our relationships, build trust, and uphold the moral standards set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be honorable individuals who fulfill our promises promptly and with sincerity.