Hadith #8046

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

جانِبُوا الغَدْرَ فَإنَّهُ مُجانِبُ القُرآنِ۔

This beautiful saying can be translated as,

Eschew treachery, for indeed it takes you away from the Qur’an.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (jānibū) "جانِبُوا" in this Hadith means to avoid or stay away from something. It signifies the importance of actively distancing oneself from treachery and deceitful actions. The term (al-ghadr) "الغَدْرَ" refers to treachery, betrayal, or deception. It encompasses any act that involves breaking trust, deceiving others, or acting in a way that is contrary to the principles of honesty and integrity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of avoiding treachery by stating that it takes one away from the Qur'an. This statement highlights the direct correlation between treacherous behavior and the deviation from the teachings of the Qur'an. Treachery not only distances individuals from the Qur'an but also hinders their spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Qur'an itself emphasizes the importance of honesty, trustworthiness, and fulfilling one's commitments. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse underscores the significance of honoring agreements and maintaining trust in all aspects of life. By engaging in treacherous acts, individuals violate this commandment and deviate from the teachings of the Qur'an.

Furthermore, the Qur'an repeatedly emphasizes the consequences of treachery and deceit. In Surah Al-Imran (3:120), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

If a good comes to them, they say, 'This is from Allah,' but if a bad befalls them, they say, 'This is from you.' Say, 'All [things] are from Allah.'

This verse highlights the dishonesty of those who attribute their successes to Allah but blame others for their failures. Such behavior is a manifestation of treachery and a departure from the teachings of the Qur'an.

The consequences of treachery are not limited to this world but extend to the hereafter as well. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:8-9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the fate of those who betray their trust, saying,

Indeed, those who break their covenant with Allah and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and spread corruption on earth - for them is the curse, and they will have the worst home.

This verse serves as a stern warning against treachery and highlights the severe consequences that await those who engage in such acts.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges Muslims to distance themselves from treachery and deceitful actions. By doing so, they align themselves with the teachings of the Qur'an and safeguard their spiritual well-being. Treachery not only harms individuals and society but also weakens the bond between Muslims and the Qur'an. It is through honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity that Muslims can truly embody the teachings of the Qur'an and strengthen their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to eschew treachery and deceitful actions. By avoiding such behavior, Muslims align themselves with the teachings of the Qur'an and safeguard their spiritual well-being. Treachery not only distances individuals from the Qur'an but also has severe consequences in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to uphold honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity in all aspects of our lives.