Hadith #2624

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Little truth repels much falsehood, just as a little fire burns a lot of firewood.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the power and effectiveness of truth in overcoming falsehood. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (haqq) "حَقِّ" in this Hadith refers to truth, which is an essential attribute of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran emphasizes the importance of truth in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Anfal (8:32), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And know that Allah is with the righteous.

The righteous are those who uphold and propagate the truth, and Allah's support is with them.

The word (batil) "باطِلِ" in the Hadith refers to falsehood, which is the opposite of truth. Falsehood is condemned in the Quran, and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against it in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42), saying,

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

Muslims are commanded to reject falsehood and strive for the truth in all aspects of life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) comparison of truth to fire and falsehood to firewood further emphasizes the power of truth. Just as a small fire can consume a large amount of firewood, a little truth has the ability to overpower and dispel a great deal of falsehood. This analogy highlights the inherent strength and effectiveness of truth when it is upheld and propagated.

The Quran provides numerous examples of the triumph of truth over falsehood. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:18), the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is mentioned, where he challenges the falsehood of idol worship and eventually destroys the idols. Similarly, in Surah Yunus (10:81), the story of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is narrated, where he confronts the falsehood of Pharaoh and his sorcerers, ultimately proving the superiority of the truth.

The consequences of upholding the truth and repelling falsehood are profound. When individuals stand firm in their commitment to truth, they inspire others and create a ripple effect of positive change. The truth has the power to expose the flaws and weaknesses of falsehood, leading to its eventual downfall. Moreover, the truth brings clarity, enlightenment, and guidance to those who seek it, while falsehood leads to confusion and misguidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to always seek and uphold the truth, even in the face of overwhelming falsehood. It encourages us to be courageous, steadfast, and unwavering in our pursuit of truth, knowing that even a little truth can have a significant impact.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the power and effectiveness of truth in repelling falsehood. It reminds us of the importance of upholding and propagating the truth, as it has the ability to overcome even the greatest falsehood. Let us strive to be people of truth, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to distinguish between truth and falsehood in all aspects of our lives.