Hadith #9087

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, "الْكِذْبُ مُجَانِبُ الْإِيمَانِ" which translates to

Lying is alien to [and incompatible with] faith.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inherent contradiction between lying and true faith.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words. "الْكِذْبُ" refers to lying, which is the act of intentionally deceiving others by uttering falsehoods. "مُجَانِبُ" means alien or incompatible, indicating that lying is fundamentally at odds with the essence of faith. And "الْإِيمَانِ" refers to faith, which encompasses belief in Allah, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and the acceptance of His guidance.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of truthfulness and condemn lying. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42),

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse admonishes Muslims against distorting the truth or hiding it, highlighting the significance of honesty and integrity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:81), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse emphasizes that truth and falsehood are inherently incompatible, and that falsehood will ultimately be exposed and eradicated.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that lying is not only morally wrong but also antithetical to the essence of faith. Faith is built upon sincerity, honesty, and trustworthiness. Lying undermines these qualities and erodes the foundation of one's faith.

When a person lies, they create a false reality, leading to confusion, mistrust, and discord. Lying can have severe consequences in both personal and societal contexts. It damages relationships, breaks trust, and hinders the establishment of a just and harmonious society.

Moreover, lying can have spiritual consequences. It distances individuals from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and weakens their connection to Him. It tarnishes one's character and diminishes their moral standing. On the other hand, truthfulness strengthens the bond between a person and their Creator, as it reflects sincerity and a commitment to righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a call to Muslims to uphold the values of truthfulness and integrity in all aspects of their lives. It reminds us to be mindful of our words and actions, and to strive for honesty and transparency. By adhering to the principles of truthfulness, we strengthen our faith and contribute to the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims that lying is incompatible with true faith. It urges us to embrace truthfulness, honesty, and integrity in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of truth and righteousness.