Hadith #7894

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 Arabic phrase in the provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is

وَعْدُ اللَّئيمِ تَسْويفٌ، وتَعْليلٌ۔

This phrase can be translated as

The promise of a wicked person is delayed and full of excuses.

Let us now delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of fulfilling promises and being truthful in our dealings. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 34, Allah says,

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse highlights the significance of fulfilling commitments and warns us that we will be held accountable for our promises.

The phrase

وَعْدُ اللَّئيمِ تَسْويفٌ، وتَعْليلٌ۔

refers to the promise made by a wicked person. The term (la'eem) "لَّئِيم" refers to someone who is wicked, deceitful, and lacking in moral values. Such individuals have a tendency to delay fulfilling their promises and make excuses to avoid their responsibilities.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious when dealing with individuals who have a history of breaking their promises and resorting to excuses. It teaches us to be vigilant and not to place our trust in those who have proven themselves to be untrustworthy.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of breaking promises and the importance of fulfilling them. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 1, Allah says,

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

This verse emphasizes the obligation upon believers to fulfill their contracts and promises.

The delay and excuses made by wicked individuals in fulfilling their promises have negative consequences. It erodes trust, damages relationships, and creates a sense of uncertainty. When someone repeatedly fails to fulfill their commitments, it reflects their lack of integrity and reliability. This behavior can have far-reaching consequences, not only on personal relationships but also on society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw important lessons for our own behavior. As Muslims, we should strive to be people of integrity, fulfilling our promises and commitments in a timely manner. By doing so, we uphold the values of honesty, trustworthiness, and reliability that are essential in building strong and harmonious communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of fulfilling promises and the consequences of delaying and making excuses. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious when dealing with individuals who have a history of breaking their promises. By upholding our commitments, we demonstrate our integrity and contribute to the establishment of a just and trustworthy society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be people of honesty and fulfill our promises.