Hadith #5710

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and warns against evil and dishonesty. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (Ightanimi) "اِغْتَنِمِ" in the Hadith means to seek benefit or take advantage of something. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to seek benefit from (as-sidq) "الصِّدْقَ", which translates to truthfulness. Truthfulness is a fundamental Islamic value that encompasses sincerity, honesty, and integrity in all aspects of life. It is a virtue that leads to righteousness and earns the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran supports the importance of truthfulness in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:119), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And Allah will say, 'This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness.'

This verse highlights that truthfulness will be a source of benefit and reward on the Day of Judgment. It emphasizes the significance of being truthful in all circumstances.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the believers by saying,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.

This verse encourages Muslims to speak the truth and use words that are just and appropriate. It reminds us that truthfulness should be the foundation of our speech and interactions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also advises Muslims to (Ijtani) "اجْتَنِبِ" evil and dishonesty. The word (Ijtani) "اجْتَنِبِ" means to keep away or abstain from something. Here, it refers to avoiding evil actions and dishonesty. Evil encompasses all forms of wrongdoing, immorality, and harm to oneself or others. Dishonesty includes lying, deception, and betrayal.

The Quran repeatedly warns against evil and encourages Muslims to stay away from it. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:33), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse highlights the prohibition of immoralities and warns against associating partners with Allah and spreading false information about Him. It emphasizes the importance of staying away from evil and falsehood.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:96), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Repel, by [means of] what is best, [their] evil. We are most knowing of what they describe.

This verse instructs Muslims to respond to evil with goodness and righteousness. It teaches us to avoid engaging in evil actions and to counter them with virtuous behavior. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the negative consequences of evil and maintain our safety.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims. By seeking benefit from truthfulness and avoiding evil and dishonesty, we can lead a righteous and virtuous life. Truthfulness not only earns us rewards in the hereafter but also strengthens our relationships, builds trust, and fosters a harmonious society. Conversely, indulging in evil and dishonesty leads to negative consequences, both in this world and the hereafter.

Let us reflect upon the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to embody truthfulness in our words and actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to stay away from evil and dishonesty, and may He bless us with the ability to seek benefit from truthfulness in every situation.