Hadith #7897

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

Lā taʿidan ʿidatan lā tathiqu min nafsika bi-ingāziha.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of not making promises that we are not confident we can fulfill. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be honest, trustworthy, and responsible in their commitments.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. "ʿidatan" refers to a promise or commitment, while "tathiqu" means to be confident or certain. "Nafsika" translates to oneself, and "bi-ingāziha" means to accomplish or fulfill.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises and being truthful. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:34),

And fulfill every commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse highlights the significance of fulfilling commitments and warns that we will be held accountable for our promises on the Day of Judgment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling contracts and agreements, which includes promises made to others. It is a reflection of the high moral standards that Islam promotes.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages Muslims to be cautious and honest in making promises. Making a promise is not merely a verbal commitment; it carries a moral obligation to fulfill it. By cautioning against making promises that we are not confident we can keep, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in our interactions with others.

When we make a promise, we raise the expectations of those who trust us. Failing to fulfill our commitments not only damages our own reputation but also undermines the trust and confidence that others have placed in us. This can have far-reaching consequences, affecting personal relationships, professional credibility, and societal harmony.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that it encourages us to be mindful of our capabilities and limitations. It teaches us to be honest with ourselves and others, avoiding the temptation to make promises that we may not be able to fulfill. By doing so, we uphold the values of honesty, trustworthiness, and responsibility that are integral to the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and honest in making promises. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of fulfilling commitments and being truthful. By adhering to this advice, we can cultivate a society built on trust, integrity, and accountability. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to fulfill our promises and be people of integrity.