Hadith #7900

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,

مَنْ وَفى بِعَهْدِهِ أعْرَبَ عَنْ كَرَمِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who fulfils his promise demonstrates his nobility.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (wafa) "وَفَى" in the Hadith refers to fulfilling or honoring a promise. It signifies the act of being true to one's word and upholding the commitments made. The word (ahdihi) "عَهْدِهِ" means promise or covenant. It emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word and not betraying the trust placed in oneself.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of fulfilling promises. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:34)

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

This verse highlights the accountability we have towards fulfilling our promises, as we will be questioned about our commitments on the Day of Judgment.

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

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an] - hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling contracts and agreements, as it is a fundamental aspect of maintaining justice and fairness in society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the noble character of an individual who fulfills their promises. When a person remains true to their word, they demonstrate integrity, trustworthiness, and reliability. Fulfilling promises not only reflects the individual's personal integrity but also strengthens the bonds of trust within relationships and communities.

By honoring our commitments, we uphold the values of honesty and accountability. This has far-reaching consequences in various aspects of our lives. For instance, in business dealings, fulfilling promises fosters a sense of trust between partners and customers, leading to long-term success and prosperity. In personal relationships, keeping our word builds strong and lasting bonds based on mutual respect and reliability.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder of the importance of reflecting upon our actions and words. It encourages us to be mindful of the promises we make and to fulfill them to the best of our abilities. It urges us to be people of integrity and honor, who are known for their trustworthiness and reliability.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that fulfilling our promises is a reflection of our nobility and character. It reminds us of the importance of upholding our commitments, as emphasized in the Quran. By honoring our word, we not only demonstrate our integrity but also contribute to the establishment of a just and trustworthy society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to fulfill our promises and be people of noble character.