Hadith #2658

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

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

لاتُمْسِكْ عَنْ إظْهارِ الحَقِّ، إذا وَجَدْتَ لَهُ أهْلاً۔

This can be translated as,

Do not hold back from presenting the truth when you find those who are worthy of it.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (izhar) "إظْهارِ" means to manifest or reveal. It signifies the act of openly expressing the truth without any hesitation or fear. The word (al-haqq) "الحَقِّ" refers to the truth, which is an absolute and unchanging reality. It is the opposite of falsehood and deception. The word (ahlan) "أهْلاً" means those who are deserving or worthy of something. In this context, it refers to individuals who are receptive to the truth and have the capacity to understand and appreciate it.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says, (Quran 22:78)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.

This verse encourages Muslims to fear Allah and speak the truth, as it is a manifestation of justice.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (Quran 17:81)

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

This verse highlights the inherent nature of truth to prevail over falsehood. It reinforces the idea that the truth should always be expressed and upheld, regardless of the circumstances.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges Muslims not to withhold the truth when they come across individuals who are deserving of it. This implies that there may be situations where the truth is not readily accepted or appreciated by everyone. However, when one encounters individuals who possess the qualities necessary to understand and embrace the truth, it becomes incumbent upon them to express it without hesitation.

The motivation behind this instruction is to ensure that the truth is not concealed or suppressed. By openly presenting the truth, we contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and the enlightenment of others. It allows for the growth and development of individuals and society as a whole.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are profound. When we actively seek out those who are worthy of the truth and share it with them, we create an environment of intellectual and spiritual growth. We encourage critical thinking, open dialogue, and the pursuit of knowledge. This fosters a society that is built upon truth, justice, and righteousness.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on presenting the truth to those who are deserving of it highlights his profound knowledge and wisdom. As the gatekeeper of knowledge and the embodiment of divine wisdom, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood the importance of sharing the truth with those who have the capacity to appreciate it. His guidance serves as a reminder for Muslims to follow in his footsteps and emulate his example.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of expressing the truth without hesitation or fear. It encourages us to seek out individuals who are deserving of the truth and share it with them. By doing so, we contribute to the growth and enlightenment of individuals and society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and courage to always uphold and manifest the truth.