Hadith #8174

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْغِشُّ سَجِيَّةُ المَرَدَةِ۔" This can be translated as

Perfidy is the trait of the recalcitrant.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-ghish) "الْغِشُّ" refers to perfidy, deceit, or treachery. It signifies the act of betraying someone's trust, breaking promises, or acting dishonestly. It is a trait that is condemned in Islam, as it goes against the principles of honesty, integrity, and justice.

The term (sajiyah) "سَجِيَّةُ" can be understood as a characteristic or attribute. It represents a quality that is inherent in the nature of an individual. In this context, it refers to perfidy being an inherent trait of certain individuals.

The word (al-mardah) "المَرَدَةِ" can be translated as the recalcitrant or rebellious. It refers to those who persistently and stubbornly oppose the truth, reject guidance, and engage in acts of disobedience. These individuals are characterized by their defiance and refusal to submit to the divine commandments.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of perfidy and deceit in several verses. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 8:27)

O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding trust and not betraying the trust of Allah and His Messenger. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be honest and trustworthy in all their dealings, as perfidy is a grave sin that leads to severe consequences.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah states, (Quran 2:159)

Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture - those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse.

This verse highlights the condemnation of those who conceal or distort the truth. It warns against perfidy and deceit in matters of religion, as it leads to the curse of Allah and the people. This serves as a strong deterrent for Muslims to remain steadfast in their commitment to truthfulness and sincerity.

Imam Ali's statement,

Perfidy is the trait of the recalcitrant,

sheds light on the inherent nature of those who engage in treacherous behavior. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be cautious and vigilant against such individuals, as their actions are driven by rebellion and defiance.

The consequences of perfidy are far-reaching. It not only damages trust and relationships but also undermines the fabric of society. When individuals act deceitfully, it erodes the foundations of justice, fairness, and mutual respect. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in all aspects of their lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His statement highlights the importance of recognizing and avoiding perfidy in our interactions with others. It serves as a call to Muslims to strive for sincerity, trustworthiness, and righteousness in all their actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the inherent nature of perfidy and its association with the recalcitrant. It urges Muslims to be vigilant against deceitful behavior and to uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and justice. May Allah guide us all to be truthful and sincere in our words and actions.