Hadith #4229

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, "الإذاعةُ شيمةُ الأغْيارِ۔" This can be translated as,

Divulgence [of secrets] is the practice of the others [and not of the believers].

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words and concepts it contains.

The word (al-idha'ah) "الإذاعة" refers to the act of disclosing or spreading information, particularly secrets or private matters. It implies making something known to others that was intended to be kept confidential. The term (shimah) "شيمة" means the characteristic or practice of a particular group or category of people. And (al-aġyār) "الأغْيارِ" refers to those who are not believers, the disbelievers or the hypocrites.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. It highlights the destructive nature of spreading rumors or divulging secrets about others. Such actions not only harm the individuals involved but also create discord and mistrust within the community. The believers are urged to refrain from engaging in these practices, as they go against the principles of faith and unity.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah An-Nur (24:19),

Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know.

This verse warns against those who take pleasure in spreading immorality or exposing the faults of others among the believers. It highlights the severe consequences that await those who engage in such behavior. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is fully aware of their actions and will hold them accountable for their deeds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that divulging secrets is not the practice of believers. The believers are characterized by their adherence to the principles of trustworthiness, confidentiality, and respect for the privacy of others. They understand the importance of maintaining the sanctity of personal information and the detrimental effects that can arise from its disclosure.

By refraining from divulging secrets, the believers uphold the values of integrity, loyalty, and sincerity. They foster an environment of trust and unity within the community, where individuals feel safe to confide in one another without fear of betrayal. This practice strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims, promoting harmony and cooperation.

Conversely, those who engage in the act of divulging secrets align themselves with the characteristics of the disbelievers and hypocrites. They contribute to the erosion of trust and the breakdown of relationships within the community. Their actions sow seeds of discord and division, hindering the progress and unity of the ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to refrain from divulging secrets. It emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness, confidentiality, and respect for the privacy of others. By adhering to these principles, we can cultivate an environment of trust, unity, and mutual support within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and protect us from the harmful consequences of spreading rumors or disclosing secrets.