Hadith #7929

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ أخْفَرَ ذِمَّةً اِكْتَسَبَ مَذَمَّةً۔

This can be translated as:

One who breaks his pledge earns dispraise.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their significance. The word (akhrara) "أخْفَرَ" means to break or violate, while (dhimmah) "ذِمَّةً" refers to a pledge or covenant. The word (iktasaba) "اِكْتَسَبَ" means to acquire or earn, and (madhamah) "مَذَمَّةً" signifies dispraise or condemnation.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we must 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 one's commitments and honoring agreements. Breaking a pledge is not only a violation of trust but also a betrayal of the principles of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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

This verse highlights the accountability we will face for our actions, including the breaking of pledges. It reminds us that we will be questioned about our faithfulness to our promises on the Day of Judgment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of breaking a pledge. When someone fails to honor their commitments, they not only lose the trust and respect of others but also bring upon themselves dispraise and condemnation. This applies to all aspects of life, whether it be personal relationships, business dealings, or societal obligations.

For example, if a person enters into a business partnership and then violates the terms of the agreement, they not only harm their reputation but also disrupt the harmony and trust within the business community. Similarly, in personal relationships, breaking a pledge can lead to the deterioration of trust and the breakdown of the bond between individuals.

The consequences of breaking a pledge extend beyond the immediate repercussions. It can have far-reaching effects on an individual's character and integrity. When one becomes known for their unfaithfulness to their commitments, their credibility is diminished, and their words hold little weight. This can lead to isolation, loss of opportunities, and a tarnished reputation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, teaches us the importance of upholding our pledges. He was a paragon of integrity and loyalty, and his words carry immense weight. By emphasizing the significance of fulfilling our commitments, he guides us towards a path of righteousness and honor.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold their pledges and honor their commitments. Breaking a pledge not only leads to the loss of trust and respect but also earns dispraise and condemnation. It is essential for us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and strive to be people of integrity and honor. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in fulfilling our obligations and grant us the strength to uphold our pledges.