Hadith #7898

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

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

غَيْرُ مُوف بِالعُهُودِ مَنْ أخْلَفَ الوُعُودَ۔

This can be translated as:

He who breaks his promises is not loyal in his covenants.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (muf) "مُوف" refers to someone who is loyal, faithful, and true to their commitments. It signifies a person who fulfills their promises and remains steadfast in their covenants. On the other hand, (akhlafa) "أخْلَفَ" means to break, violate, or fail to fulfill one's promises or agreements. (al-wu'ud) "الوُعُودَ" refers to promises or covenants that are made between individuals or groups.

To understand the significance and implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises and covenants in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says: (Quran 17:34)

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

This verse highlights the accountability that individuals have towards fulfilling their commitments. It reminds Muslims of the importance of honoring their promises and remaining true to their word. Breaking promises not only reflects a lack of loyalty and integrity but also leads to a breakdown of trust and harmony in relationships.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says: (Quran 5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an] - hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram. Indeed, Allah ordains what He intends.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling contracts and agreements. It reminds Muslims that fulfilling their obligations is not only a moral duty but also a religious obligation. By honoring their promises, Muslims demonstrate their obedience to Allah and their commitment to upholding justice and fairness in their dealings.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He highlights the significance of remaining loyal and faithful to one's covenants and promises. When someone breaks their promises, they not only betray the trust of others but also display a lack of integrity and reliability.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of fulfilling their commitments, whether they are personal, professional, or social. It encourages individuals to be true to their word and to honor their agreements, as this is a reflection of their character and their adherence to Islamic principles.

Breaking promises can have severe consequences. It can lead to strained relationships, loss of trust, and even legal disputes. On a broader scale, a society where promises are not honored becomes one that lacks stability and cohesion. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to uphold their promises and remain loyal to their covenants, as this contributes to the well-being and harmony of the community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and wisdom. His statement in this Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to uphold their promises and remain loyal in their covenants. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also strengthen our own character and strive towards the path of righteousness.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to honor our promises and remain steadfast in our covenants. May He bless us with the wisdom and understanding to apply the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our daily lives.