Hadith #2671

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 Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

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

Yaseer al-haqq yadfa'u kathir al-batil.

This Hadith can be translated as,

A little truth repels much falsehood.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "yaseer" in Arabic means "a little" or "a small amount." It signifies that even a small amount of truth has the power to overcome and repel a large amount of falsehood. This highlights the inherent strength and effectiveness of truth, no matter how small it may seem.

The word "haqq" refers to truth, which is an essential attribute of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah is the ultimate source of truth, and His words in the Quran are the epitome of truth. In Surah Al-Anbiya, Allah says, (21:107)

And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not but as a mercy for the worlds.

This verse emphasizes the truthfulness of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the message he brought, which is a mercy for all of humanity.

The word "yadfa'u" means "repels" or "drives away." It signifies the power of truth to push back and overcome falsehood. This is consistent with the Quranic teachings, where Allah repeatedly emphasizes the triumph of truth over falsehood. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (17:81)

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse highlights the eternal nature of truth and the inevitable defeat of falsehood.

The word "kathir" means "much" or "a large amount." It refers to the abundance and prevalence of falsehood in the world. Falsehood can take various forms, such as lies, deception, and misconceptions. It is pervasive and can easily mislead people. However, the Hadith reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming falsehood, a small amount of truth can make a significant impact.

The Quran provides numerous examples of how a little truth can repel much falsehood. For instance, the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his confrontation with the idol-worshippers in Surah Al-Anbiya demonstrates this concept. Despite the multitude of false gods worshipped by the people, Ibrahim's unwavering belief in the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) prevailed. His small but powerful truth shattered the falsehood of idolatry.

Similarly, the story of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Pharaoh in Surah Yunus illustrates the triumph of truth over falsehood. Despite Pharaoh's arrogance and his claim of being a god, Musa's message of monotheism prevailed. Through the miracles granted by Allah, Musa's small truth overcame the vast falsehood propagated by Pharaoh.

In our daily lives, we often encounter situations where falsehood seems to dominate. It may be in the form of rumors, misinformation, or distorted narratives. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that even a small amount of truth, when upheld with conviction and sincerity, can dispel the darkness of falsehood.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for us to seek knowledge and strive for truth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings and actions exemplified the power of truth in overcoming falsehood. As Muslims, we should follow in his footsteps and continuously seek knowledge, as it is through knowledge that we can distinguish truth from falsehood.

Furthermore, this Hadith has profound consequences for our actions and choices. It reminds us to always stand up for truth, no matter how challenging or unpopular it may be. It encourages us to be courageous and steadfast in upholding the principles of justice, honesty, and integrity. By doing so, we contribute to the repelling of falsehood and the establishment of truth in our society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

A little truth repels much falsehood

highlights the inherent strength and effectiveness of truth. It reminds us of the power of truth to overcome falsehood, no matter how small it may seem. By seeking knowledge, upholding truth, and standing against falsehood, we can contribute to the establishment of a just and righteous society. May Allah guide us all on the path of truth and grant us the wisdom to discern between truth and falsehood.