Hadith #4238

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 noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الرأي بتحصين الأسرار" which translates to

The [right] opinion is [acquired] by protecting secrets.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of safeguarding secrets and confidential information in order to form accurate and well-informed opinions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (opinion) "الرأي" refers to a judgment or viewpoint formed after careful consideration and analysis. (by protecting) "بتحصين" signifies the act of safeguarding or preserving something, in this case, secrets. And (secrets) "الأسرار" refers to confidential or private information that is not meant to be disclosed.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of guarding secrets and maintaining confidentiality. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the prohibition of making assumptions without proper evidence and the condemnation of spying and backbiting. It teaches us to respect the privacy and dignity of others, which includes protecting their secrets. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to the formation of sound opinions and judgments.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, when you converse privately, do not converse about sin and aggression and disobedience to the Messenger but converse about righteousness and piety. And fear Allah, to whom you will be gathered.

This verse emphasizes the importance of engaging in private conversations that are focused on righteousness and piety. It discourages discussing sinful or aggressive matters, which includes divulging secrets that may harm others or lead to disobedience. By adhering to this guidance, we not only protect the sanctity of private conversations but also ensure that our opinions are based on virtuous principles.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the connection between protecting secrets and forming accurate opinions. When we respect the confidentiality of others and refrain from spreading rumors or disclosing private information, we create an environment of trust and integrity. This, in turn, allows us to gather reliable and authentic information, enabling us to form well-informed opinions that are based on truth and justice.

By protecting secrets, we also demonstrate our commitment to the principles of Islam, which emphasize the preservation of privacy and the avoidance of harm to others. This practice fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community, as it promotes trust and mutual respect.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder of his profound knowledge and wisdom. Known as the Gate of Knowledge, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed an unparalleled understanding of the teachings of Islam. His words carry immense weight and provide valuable guidance for Muslims of all generations.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of protecting secrets in order to form accurate and well-informed opinions. By adhering to the Quranic teachings of guarding privacy and refraining from spreading rumors, we contribute to a culture of trust and integrity within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in upholding these principles and grant us the wisdom to form opinions that are based on truth and justice.