Hadith #8181

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the grave sins of deceiving a friend and being disloyal to one's pledges. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (ghishshu) "غِشُّ" refers to deception or trickery, while (as-sadiq) "الصَّديقِ" means a friend or companion. (al-ghadr) "الغَدْرُ" signifies betrayal or treachery, and (al-mawathiq) "المَوَاثِيقِ" refers to pledges or covenants. Finally, (khiyanati) "خِيَانَةِ" denotes the act of betrayal, and (al-'ahd) "العَهْدِ" signifies a covenant or agreement.

To understand the gravity of these actions, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's promises and being truthful in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 1:

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

This verse underscores the significance of honoring one's commitments and not deceiving others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 34, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against treachery and betrayal:

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words. Deceiving a friend and being disloyal to one's pledges not only violates the trust placed in us but also goes against the teachings of Islam. It damages relationships, breaks bonds, and creates a sense of betrayal and hurt.

When we deceive a friend, we undermine the foundation of trust that is essential for any healthy relationship. Trust is the cornerstone of friendships, and without it, relationships crumble. The Quran teaches us the importance of trust in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11:

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

Similarly, being disloyal to one's pledges is a breach of trust and integrity. When we make a promise or enter into a covenant, we are bound by our word to fulfill it. Breaking such commitments not only harms others but also reflects poorly on our character. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Isra, verse 34, to fulfill our commitments and not betray the trust placed in us.

The consequences of deceiving a friend and being disloyal to one's pledges are far-reaching. It erodes the fabric of society, damages relationships, and leads to a breakdown of trust. Moreover, it tarnishes our own reputation and integrity. Islam emphasizes the importance of honesty, trustworthiness, and fulfilling one's obligations. By adhering to these principles, we contribute to a harmonious and just society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the grave sins of deceiving a friend and being disloyal to one's pledges. These actions go against the teachings of Islam and damage the trust and bonds between individuals. By honoring our commitments and being truthful in our interactions, we uphold the values of honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity that Islam promotes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be sincere and trustworthy individuals who fulfill our promises and maintain strong and trustworthy relationships with our fellow Muslims.