Hadith #7927

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

ما أنْجَزَ الوَعْدَ مَنْ مَطَلَ بِهِ۔

This can be translated as:

He who delays in fulfilling a promise has not kept it.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of fulfilling one's promises in a timely manner.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (anjaza) "أنْجَزَ" means to fulfill or complete, while (al-waad) "الوَعْدَ" refers to a promise or commitment. The word (matala) "مَطَلَ" means to delay or procrastinate. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that a promise is not truly fulfilled if it is delayed or not acted upon promptly.

To further understand the significance of fulfilling promises, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:34):

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling commitments and promises, as they are a matter of accountability before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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

This verse highlights the general obligation upon believers to fulfill their contracts and promises, further emphasizing the significance of keeping one's word.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of integrity and trustworthiness. When we make a promise, we are making a commitment to fulfill it, and delaying its fulfillment undermines the trust placed in us. This not only affects our relationships with others but also reflects upon our character as Muslims.

By promptly fulfilling our promises, we demonstrate our sincerity and reliability. This not only strengthens our relationships with others but also enhances our own self-esteem and sense of responsibility. Conversely, when we delay in fulfilling our promises, we risk damaging our reputation and straining our relationships.

Furthermore, the consequences of delaying the fulfillment of promises can extend beyond our immediate relationships. It can have a negative impact on society as a whole. When individuals consistently fail to fulfill their promises, it erodes the trust within communities and undermines the social fabric. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to uphold their commitments and fulfill their promises in a timely manner.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we should strive to be people of integrity and honor. We should be mindful of the promises we make and ensure that we fulfill them promptly. This not only aligns with the teachings of Islam but also contributes to the betterment of our communities and society at large.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our promises in a timely manner. By doing so, we uphold our integrity, strengthen our relationships, and contribute to the well-being of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fulfill our promises and be people of trustworthiness.