Hadith #7914

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights two important aspects of a person's character and conduct. The first part of the Hadith states,

The most honourable of endeavours is being careful of [fulfilling] one’s pledges.

The word used here for "endeavors" is (himam) "هِمَمِ", which refers to one's aspirations, goals, and ambitions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the most noble and honorable of these endeavors is to fulfill one's pledges and commitments.

To understand the significance of this teaching, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1),

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling contracts and pledges, highlighting the moral and ethical responsibility that Muslims have towards honoring their commitments. By fulfilling our pledges, we demonstrate integrity, trustworthiness, and reliability, which are qualities highly valued in Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the significance of this trait by stating,

The best trait is keeping ties with near relatives.

The word used here for "trait" is (shiyyam) "شِّيَمِ", which refers to a distinguishing characteristic or quality. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of maintaining strong and loving relationships with our relatives, particularly those who are close to us.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties. In Surah An-Nisa (4:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse reminds us to fear Allah and maintain our relationships with our relatives, as they are a means of seeking His blessings and mercy. By nurturing these ties, we strengthen the bonds of kinship and contribute to the unity and harmony of the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that fulfilling our pledges and maintaining ties with our relatives are not merely acts of virtue, but they also have profound consequences in our lives. By honoring our commitments, we build a reputation of trustworthiness and reliability, which opens doors of opportunities and blessings. People are more likely to trust and rely on someone who fulfills their promises, leading to stronger relationships and a more harmonious society.

Similarly, maintaining ties with our relatives strengthens the fabric of our families and communities. It fosters love, compassion, and support among family members, creating a sense of belonging and unity. This, in turn, leads to a healthier and happier society where individuals feel connected and supported.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of upholding our commitments and nurturing our relationships. It calls us to be people of integrity and to prioritize our responsibilities towards others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also contribute to the betterment of ourselves and our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fulfill our pledges and maintain strong ties with our relatives. May He bless us with the strength and wisdom to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our daily lives. Ameen.