Hadith #1185

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أفضلُ الأمانَةِ الوَفاءُ بِالعَهدِ

which translates to

The best [form of] trustworthiness is keeping one’s promise.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's commitments and honoring the agreements made with others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. (amānah) "أمانَة" refers to trustworthiness, honesty, and fulfilling one's responsibilities. (al-wafā) "الوَفاء" means to fulfill, honor, or keep one's promise. And (al-'ahd) "العَهد" refers to a covenant, agreement, or promise.

The Quranic verses support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's commitments, as every promise made will be questioned and held accountable for.

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

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

This verse highlights the obligation upon believers to fulfill their contracts and agreements, emphasizing the significance of trustworthiness and keeping one's word.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us the importance of fulfilling our promises and honoring our commitments. When we make a promise, whether it is to Allah, our fellow Muslims, or anyone else, it becomes our responsibility to fulfill it. By doing so, we demonstrate our trustworthiness and integrity, which are essential qualities in Islam.

Keeping one's promise not only strengthens our relationships with others but also reflects our devotion to Allah. When we fulfill our commitments, we uphold the values of honesty and trust that are fundamental to our faith. This leads to a harmonious society built on mutual trust and respect.

Conversely, failing to fulfill our promises can have severe consequences. It damages our credibility and trustworthiness, leading to strained relationships and a breakdown of trust. Moreover, it goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of fulfilling one's obligations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His emphasis on the importance of trustworthiness and keeping one's promises serves as a reminder for all Muslims to uphold these values in their daily lives. By doing so, we not only fulfill our responsibilities towards others but also strengthen our relationship with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best form of trustworthiness is keeping one's promise. This Hadith is supported by Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of fulfilling commitments and contracts. By honoring our agreements, we demonstrate our trustworthiness, strengthen our relationships, and uphold the values of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fulfill our promises and be trustworthy individuals.