Hadith #7891

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 beautifully highlights the virtues of two important qualities: truthfulness and loyalty, and God-wariness and piety. Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (truthfulness) "صِدْقِ" refers to being honest, sincere, and upright in speech and action. It entails speaking the truth and fulfilling promises. The word (loyalty) "وَفَاءُ" signifies faithfulness, steadfastness, and fulfilling one's obligations and commitments. It encompasses being loyal to one's friends, family, and community.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:119),

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

This verse encourages Muslims to align themselves with truthful individuals, as their companionship will bring them closer to Allah.

Similarly, loyalty is highly regarded in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:75),

And among the People of the Scripture is he who, if you entrust him with a great amount [of wealth], he will return it to you. And among them is he who, if you entrust him with a [single] silver coin, he will not return it to you unless you are constantly standing over him [demanding it].

This verse highlights the importance of loyalty and trustworthiness in financial matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the significance of these qualities by associating them with God-wariness and piety. The word (God-wariness) "تَّقْوَى" refers to being conscious of Allah's presence and striving to avoid anything that displeases Him. It involves following His commandments and abstaining from sinful actions. The word (piety) "وَرَعُ" signifies being cautious, vigilant, and mindful of one's actions.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of God-wariness and piety. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (أَتْقَاكُمْ).

This verse highlights that the most honorable and noble individuals in the sight of Allah are those who possess piety and God-wariness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully combines these qualities, illustrating that a companion of truthfulness and loyalty is indeed a great blessing. Such a companion will always be honest, trustworthy, and steadfast, bringing about harmony and trust in relationships. Similarly, an associate of God-wariness and piety will be cautious, righteous, and mindful of their actions, leading a life that is pleasing to Allah.

The consequences of embodying these qualities are profound. Individuals who possess truthfulness and loyalty will be trusted by others, and their words and actions will carry weight and credibility. They will be a source of comfort and support for those around them. Likewise, those who possess God-wariness and piety will be guided by their consciousness of Allah, and their actions will be in accordance with His commandments. They will strive to avoid sin and seek His pleasure, leading a life of righteousness and spiritual fulfillment.

Reflecting on this hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of cultivating these qualities within themselves and seeking companions who possess them. By embodying truthfulness, loyalty, God-wariness, and piety, we can create a society that is built on trust, righteousness, and harmony. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embrace these virtues and surround ourselves with companions who inspire us to be better Muslims.