Hadith #1187

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الأمانة صيانة" which can be translated as

Trustworthiness is preservation [and safeguarding of what has been entrusted].

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and highlights the importance of trustworthiness in the life of a Muslim.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-amānah) "الأمانة" refers to the concept of trustworthiness, which encompasses honesty, integrity, and fulfilling one's responsibilities. It is a quality that is highly regarded in Islam and is emphasized in numerous verses of the Quran.

One such verse that emphasizes trustworthiness is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling one's obligations and being trustworthy in all matters, whether they are personal, financial, or social.

Another verse that emphasizes trustworthiness is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:27), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].

This verse warns against betraying the trust placed upon us by Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), emphasizing the gravity of this sin.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further elaborates on the concept of trustworthiness by stating that it is (siyānah) "صِيانة", which can be translated as preservation or safeguarding. This implies that trustworthiness involves not only fulfilling one's obligations but also actively protecting and preserving what has been entrusted to us.

To illustrate this, let us consider the example of a person entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding someone's property. Being trustworthy in this context would mean not only refraining from stealing or misusing the property but also taking proactive measures to ensure its safety, such as locking it securely, keeping it away from harm, and returning it in the same condition it was received.

This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of trustworthiness in all aspects of life. It highlights the need to fulfill our obligations and responsibilities faithfully, while also actively protecting and preserving what has been entrusted to us. Trustworthiness is not merely a passive quality but an active commitment to honor the trust placed upon us.

Furthermore, this Hadith also emphasizes the significance of trustworthiness in building and maintaining relationships. When people trust us, they feel secure in confiding in us, seeking our advice, and relying on our support. Trustworthiness strengthens the bonds of friendship, family, and community, fostering an environment of harmony and cooperation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that trustworthiness is not just about fulfilling our obligations but also actively protecting and preserving what has been entrusted to us. It reminds us of the importance of honesty, integrity, and fulfilling our responsibilities in all aspects of life. By embodying the quality of trustworthiness, we not only fulfill our duties as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to be trustworthy individuals.