Hadith #7908

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اِعْتَصِمُوا بِالذِّمَمِ في أوْتادِها۔

This can be translated as,

Be steadfast [and loyal] in fulfilling your pledges.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (i'tasimoo) "اِعْتَصِمُوا" in the Hadith means to hold firmly, to cling to, or to adhere steadfastly. It implies a strong commitment and unwavering dedication to fulfilling one's pledges and promises. This word carries the essence of loyalty, trustworthiness, and integrity.

The term (adh-dhimam) "الذِّمَمِ" refers to pledges or covenants. It encompasses all types of commitments made by individuals, whether they are personal, social, or religious. These pledges can be between individuals, communities, or even nations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be steadfast in fulfilling our pledges, emphasizing the importance of honoring our commitments. This teaching aligns perfectly with the Quranic principles of trustworthiness and fulfilling promises.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Isra, 17:34),

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

This verse emphasizes the significance of fulfilling commitments and warns us that we will be held accountable for our actions.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers in the Quran (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:1) as those who

fulfill their promises and their covenants.

This verse highlights the importance of honoring pledges and promises as a characteristic of true believers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to be steadfast in fulfilling our pledges has profound implications. It encourages us to be people of integrity, to be trustworthy, and to uphold our commitments. When we fulfill our promises, we build trust and strengthen the bonds of relationships.

By adhering to our pledges, we create a sense of stability and reliability in our personal and social lives. We become individuals who are known for their honesty and dependability. This not only benefits us individually but also contributes to the well-being of our communities and society as a whole.

Moreover, being steadfast in fulfilling our pledges has spiritual implications. It reflects our devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our commitment to following His commands. It demonstrates our sincerity in worship and our dedication to living a righteous life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was the epitome of knowledge and integrity. His unwavering commitment to fulfilling his pledges and his profound understanding of the Quranic teachings made him a role model for all Muslims. His life serves as a shining example of how to be steadfast in fulfilling our promises and remaining loyal to our commitments.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be steadfast in fulfilling our pledges. This teaching aligns perfectly with the Quranic principles of trustworthiness and fulfilling promises. By adhering to our commitments, we build trust, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate our devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to be people of integrity, upholding our promises and pledges, and embodying the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness.