Hadith #9100

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِئْسَ المَنْطِقُ الكِذْبُ۔" This translates to,

How evil a speech lying is!

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severe consequences and moral degradation associated with lying.

The word (bis) "بِئْسَ" in Arabic conveys the meaning of extreme evil, wretchedness, and despicability. It emphasizes the gravity and repulsiveness of an action. (al-manṭiq) "المَنْطِقُ" refers to speech or discourse, while (al-kizb) "الكِذْبُ" specifically denotes lying or falsehood.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and the severe consequences of lying. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:42)

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

This verse highlights the obligation to speak the truth and warns against distorting it or hiding it knowingly.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 22:61-62)

That is because Allah causes the night to enter the day and causes the day to enter the night and because Allah is Hearing and Seeing of what you do. That is because Allah is the Truth, and that what they call upon other than Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand.

These verses emphasize the absolute truthfulness of Allah and the falsehood of anything that is worshipped besides Him. It highlights the importance of aligning our speech and actions with the ultimate truth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the moral and spiritual consequences of lying. Lying not only contradicts the essence of truthfulness, but it also leads to a deterioration of character, trust, and integrity. It undermines the foundations of a just and harmonious society.

Lying can have severe consequences, both in this world and the hereafter. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns, (Quran 17:34-35)

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned. And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even balance. That is the best [way] and best in result.

These verses highlight the importance of fulfilling commitments and being just in our dealings. Lying, on the other hand, goes against these principles and can lead to harm and injustice.

Moreover, lying can have severe consequences in the hereafter. In Surah An-Nahl, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns, (Quran 40:28)

Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar.

This verse emphasizes that those who persist in lying and transgression will be deprived of Allah's guidance. It serves as a reminder that lying is not only detrimental to our worldly affairs but also jeopardizes our spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of truthfulness and integrity in their speech. It encourages us to reflect on the consequences of lying and strive to be people of honesty and sincerity. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can cultivate a society built on truth, justice, and trustworthiness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to speak the truth and protect us from the evils of lying. May He grant us the strength and wisdom to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in seeking knowledge and upholding the principles of Islam.