Hadith #9098

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Lying is the deviation of speech from the divine order [of creation].

This profound statement highlights the gravity and consequences of lying, emphasizing that it goes against the natural order established by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into its exegesis in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (al-kadhib) "الكذب" translates to "lying" in English. Lying is an act of intentionally deceiving others by uttering falsehoods. It is a deviation from truthfulness and honesty, which are essential virtues in Islam. The word (zuwal) "زوال" means "deviation" or "straying away." It signifies the departure from the right path, in this case, the divine order set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the gravity of lying, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:81),

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

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of falsehood and its inevitable departure. Lying, being a manifestation of falsehood, is thus in direct contradiction to the divine order established by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against lying in several verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42), Allah says,

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse admonishes Muslims against distorting the truth or hiding it knowingly. Lying not only distorts the divine order but also undermines the integrity and trustworthiness that Islam encourages.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound consequences of lying. When one deviates from the divine order, they disrupt the harmony and balance established by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Lying not only harms the individual's moral character but also has far-reaching implications on society as a whole. It erodes trust, breeds suspicion, and creates divisions among people.

Moreover, lying has severe consequences in the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:30),

That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord.

Lying dishonors the sacred ordinances of Allah and distances one from His mercy and blessings. It tarnishes the individual's relationship with Allah and jeopardizes their spiritual growth.

Reflecting upon Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we realize the importance of upholding truthfulness and honesty in our words and actions. Lying not only contradicts the divine order but also has detrimental effects on both individuals and society. As Muslims, we must strive to emulate the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. By adhering to the divine order and avoiding falsehood, we can contribute to a more harmonious and righteous society, both in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of truthfulness and protect us from the temptation of lying. Ameen.