Hadith #3973

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 states,

The foundation of religion is returning trusts [to their owners] and fulfilling pledges.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (asl) "أصْلُ" means the foundation or the basis. It refers to the fundamental principle upon which something is built. In this context, it signifies the core principle that forms the basis of the religion.

The term (ad-deen) "الدِّينِ" refers to religion. It encompasses the entire system of beliefs, practices, and values that guide a person's relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their fellow human beings.

The phrase (ada'u al-amana) "أداءُ الأمانَةِ" translates to returning trusts [to their owners]. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's obligations and responsibilities, especially when entrusted with something by others. This includes not only material possessions but also intangible trusts such as knowledge, secrets, and promises.

The term (al-wafa'u bil-'uhud) "الوَفاءُ بِالعُهُودِ" means fulfilling pledges or covenants. It highlights the significance of honoring one's commitments and promises, whether they are formal agreements or informal agreements made with others.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us 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 contractual obligations, which aligns with the concept of fulfilling pledges mentioned in the Hadith.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the accountability that individuals will face regarding their commitments and pledges. It serves as a reminder that fulfilling promises is not only a religious duty but also a moral obligation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness and integrity in the practice of religion. Returning trusts and fulfilling pledges are not only acts of honesty and responsibility but also acts of worship that strengthen the foundation of one's faith.

By returning trusts, we demonstrate our sincerity and fulfill the rights of others. This includes returning borrowed items, fulfilling financial obligations, and safeguarding the secrets and confidences entrusted to us. Such actions reflect the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize justice, fairness, and fulfilling one's obligations.

Similarly, fulfilling pledges and commitments showcases our reliability and loyalty. Whether it is honoring marriage vows, fulfilling promises made to friends and family, or upholding agreements in business transactions, fulfilling pledges is a reflection of our character and adherence to the principles of Islam.

Neglecting these responsibilities can have severe consequences. It can lead to broken relationships, loss of trust, and a deterioration of the social fabric. Moreover, it can tarnish the reputation of Muslims and weaken the foundation of the religion.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of returning trusts and fulfilling pledges as the foundation of religion. By doing so, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to honesty, responsibility, and accountability. This Hadith serves as a reminder to uphold these principles in all aspects of our lives, strengthening our faith and fostering harmonious relationships within society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in fulfilling our obligations and pledges, and may He grant us the strength to be trustworthy and reliable individuals.