Hadith #5762

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ جارَ عَنِ الصِّدْقِ ضاقَ مَذْهَبُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Whoever turns aside from truth, his path becomes narrow.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (jaara) "جارَ" means to turn aside or deviate from the right path. (as-sidq) "الصِّدْقِ" refers to truth, sincerity, and honesty. And (daqa) "ضاقَ" means to become narrow or constricted.

To comprehend the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256),

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the truth and not deviating from it. It reminds us that the right path is distinct from falsehood, and there should be no coercion in matters of faith. Those who choose to turn away from the truth and follow falsehood will find their path becoming narrow and restricted.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:125), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe.

This verse highlights that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guides those who sincerely seek the truth and have an open heart to embrace Islam. On the other hand, those who turn away from the truth and choose disbelief will find their hearts constricted and their path narrowed.

Now, let us reflect on the essence of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is teaching us a valuable lesson. When a person turns away from the truth, whether it be in matters of faith, ethics, or personal conduct, their path becomes narrow and constrained.

Imagine a person who chooses to deceive others, engage in dishonest business practices, or spread false information. Their actions may initially seem beneficial or advantageous, but in reality, they are straying further from the path of truth. As they continue on this path, their options become limited, their conscience becomes burdened, and their ability to navigate through life becomes restricted.

On the other hand, those who adhere to the truth and strive for sincerity in their words and actions experience a sense of freedom and expansiveness. Their path is illuminated by the light of truth, and they are able to make choices that align with their values and principles. They are not confined by the constraints of falsehood, and their journey through life becomes more meaningful and purposeful.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to always seek the truth and avoid turning away from it. It urges us to be honest, sincere, and upright in our dealings with others and to uphold the principles of Islam. By doing so, we can ensure that our path remains wide and open, filled with blessings and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that those who deviate from the truth will find their path becoming narrow and constrained. This message is supported by Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of adhering to the truth and the consequences of turning away from it. By staying steadfast on the path of truth, we can experience a sense of freedom and expansiveness in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and protect us from straying.