Hadith #1809

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كُنْ جَواداً بِالحَقِّ، بَخيلاً بِالباطِلِ۔

This can be translated as,

Be generous with the truth and miserly with falsehood.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of upholding and promoting truth while rejecting and abstaining from falsehood.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (jawadan) "جَواداً" refers to generosity, kindness, and abundance. It implies a willingness to give and share without hesitation or reservation. (bil-haqq) "بِالحَقِّ" means with the truth, indicating that this generosity should be directed towards the truth, honesty, and righteousness. On the other hand, (bakhilan) "بَخيلاً" means miserly, stingy, or withholding. It signifies a reluctance to give or share, particularly when it comes to falsehood or deceit. (bil-batil) "بِالباطِلِ" refers to falsehood, lies, and anything that deviates from the truth.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and reinforce the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of truth and righteousness, as it is the criterion for nobility in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against spreading falsehood and deceit, saying,

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

This verse highlights the obligation to uphold and promote the truth, while refraining from any form of falsehood or deception.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a guiding principle for Muslims in their daily lives. Being generous with the truth means actively seeking and promoting truth, honesty, and justice in all aspects of life. It entails speaking the truth, standing up against falsehood, and supporting causes that are based on truth and righteousness. This generosity extends to sharing knowledge, guidance, and wisdom with others, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,

The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.

Conversely, being miserly with falsehood means being cautious and vigilant in avoiding falsehood, lies, and deceit. It requires refraining from spreading rumors, engaging in gossip, or participating in any form of dishonesty. This principle encourages Muslims to be discerning and critical thinkers, verifying information before accepting and sharing it.

By embodying this Hadith, Muslims can contribute to the establishment of a just and truthful society. It motivates individuals to seek knowledge, educate themselves, and engage in constructive dialogue. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and sincerity in all our actions and interactions.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are far-reaching. Personally, it cultivates a strong moral compass, leading to a sense of inner peace and contentment. Socially, it fosters trust, harmony, and unity within communities. Moreover, it contributes to the overall betterment of society, as truth and justice are the foundations of a just and equitable world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Be generous with the truth and miserly with falsehood

serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to uphold and promote truth while rejecting falsehood. It calls for a commitment to honesty, integrity, and justice in all aspects of life. By embodying this principle, Muslims can contribute to the establishment of a just and truthful society, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to live by this Hadith and may He bless us all with His mercy and guidance.