Hadith #242

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Faithfulness with faithless people is faithlessness with Allah, while faithlessness with faithless people is faithfulness with Allah.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in our commitment to truth and loyalty, even when dealing with those who are untrustworthy.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to better understand its meaning. The word "faithfulness" is translated from the Arabic term "al-wafa'". It refers to fulfilling one's promises, being loyal, and maintaining trustworthiness. The term "faithless" is derived from the Arabic word "al-ghadr", which signifies betrayal, treachery, and deceit.

To comprehend the depth of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of fulfilling our commitments and being trustworthy in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 1:

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

This verse underscores the importance of honoring our agreements, regardless of the character or actions of the other party involved.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate witness to our actions and intentions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 204, Allah says,

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

This verse reminds us that Allah is fully aware of the true nature of individuals, even if they may deceive us with their words.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He teaches us that when we remain faithful and loyal to those who are untrustworthy, we are essentially betraying our own principles and values. By associating ourselves with those who lack integrity, we compromise our own integrity in the eyes of Allah.

On the other hand, when we choose not to engage in treachery or deceit with faithless individuals, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness. This act of faithlessness towards those who are untrustworthy is regarded as faithfulness in the sight of Allah. It is an affirmation of our allegiance to divine principles and a testament to our unwavering faith in Allah's justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sets a high standard for us through this Hadith. He encourages us to prioritize our loyalty to Allah above all else, even when faced with challenging circumstances or dealing with individuals of questionable character. This Hadith serves as a reminder that our faithfulness should be rooted in our commitment to Allah's commandments and not dependent on the actions or behavior of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast in our faithfulness to Allah, even when dealing with faithless individuals. It reminds us that our loyalty should be directed towards the divine principles and values that Allah has bestowed upon us. By upholding our integrity and remaining true to our commitments, we demonstrate our unwavering faith in Allah's justice and earn His pleasure. May Allah guide us to be faithful and loyal servants, and may He grant us the strength to uphold our principles in all circumstances.