Hadith #9118

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws a powerful analogy between the incessant liar and the dead, highlighting the importance of trustworthiness and reliability in the life of a believer. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The incessant liar and the dead are similar, for indeed the merit of the living over the dead is the ability to rely on him, so if his words are not reliable then [it is as if] his life is nullified.

To fully comprehend the depth of this hadith, let us delve into the key words and concepts it encompasses. The term "incessant liar" refers to someone who habitually and persistently tells falsehoods, lacking integrity and honesty in their speech. On the other hand, the term "dead" refers to someone who has physically departed from this world and is no longer alive.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the superiority of the living over the dead, not in terms of physical existence, but rather in terms of the ability to be relied upon. The living possess the capacity to fulfill their responsibilities, honor their commitments, and maintain the trust placed in them. This ability to be trustworthy is a virtue that distinguishes the living from the dead.

To further elucidate this concept, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 8:27)

O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].

This verse highlights the importance of upholding trust and fulfilling one's obligations, as betraying trust is a form of deception and falsehood.

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

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

This verse emphasizes the significance of fulfilling contracts and agreements, as breaking them is a breach of trust and undermines the reliability of an individual.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that if a person's words cannot be relied upon, then their life is nullified. This means that the trustworthiness and reliability of an individual are integral to their existence and purpose. If one's words lack credibility, their actions and intentions become questionable, leading to a loss of trust and respect from others.

The consequences of being an incessant liar are far-reaching. It not only damages one's personal integrity but also undermines the fabric of society. Trust is the foundation of any relationship, be it between individuals, communities, or nations. When trust is eroded, chaos and discord prevail, leading to a breakdown in social cohesion and harmony.

Reflecting upon this hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of truthfulness and trustworthiness in their daily lives. We are encouraged to be people of integrity, upholding our commitments, and being reliable in our words and actions. By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of society and fulfill our responsibilities as believers.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the significance of trustworthiness and reliability in the life of a Muslim. It highlights the superiority of the living over the dead, not in terms of physical existence, but in terms of the ability to be relied upon. By upholding trust and being truthful in our words and actions, we embody the qualities of a true believer and contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to be people of integrity and trustworthiness.