Hadith #9114

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لايَجْتَمِعُ الكِذْبُ والمُرُوَّةُ۔" This can be translated as

Lying and magnanimity don’t go together.

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

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (kathb) "كِذْبُ" refers to lying or falsehood, while (murawwah) "مُرُوَّةُ" can be translated as magnanimity, nobility, or generosity. The word (layajtami'u) "لايَجْتَمِعُ" means

do not come together

or "cannot coexist."

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 30:

That (has been commanded), and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord.

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring the sacred commands of Allah, which includes refraining from lying. Lying goes against the principles of truthfulness and honesty that Islam upholds.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

This verse highlights the importance of justice and truthfulness, even if it goes against our personal interests or relationships. Lying contradicts the principles of justice and integrity that Islam promotes.

Imam Ali's statement,

Lying and magnanimity don’t go together,

serves as a reminder that lying is incompatible with true nobility and generosity. Lying tarnishes one's character and undermines the trust of others. A person who lies cannot be truly magnanimous, as their actions are rooted in deception and falsehood.

When we reflect on this Hadith, we realize that lying not only harms our relationships with others but also affects our own self-esteem and spiritual growth. Lying creates a barrier between us and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it distances us from the path of truth and righteousness. It erodes our integrity and weakens our connection with the divine.

In contrast, magnanimity and generosity are qualities that are highly esteemed in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261:

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the immense reward and blessings that come with acts of generosity and charity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that lying and magnanimity cannot coexist within a person. A truly noble and generous individual is one who upholds the principles of truthfulness and honesty in every aspect of their life. They understand that lying not only harms others but also tarnishes their own character and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Lying and magnanimity don’t go together,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of truthfulness and integrity. Lying contradicts the principles of justice, honesty, and nobility that Islam promotes. By striving to be truthful and honest in our words and actions, we can cultivate a character that is truly magnanimous and pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to avoid falsehood and embrace the virtues of magnanimity.