Hadith #1183

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities towards others and maintaining trustworthiness. Let us delve into the exegesis of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (return the trust) "أدِّ الأمانَةَ" and (act treacherously) "تَخُنْ". The word (trust) "أمانة" refers to any responsibility or duty that has been entrusted to someone. It could be material possessions, secrets, or even positions of authority. (return) "أدِّ" signifies the act of fulfilling this trust and ensuring that it is returned to its rightful owner. On the other hand, (act treacherously) "تَخُنْ" denotes the betrayal of trust, which is a grave sin.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and maintaining trustworthiness in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (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 severity of betraying trusts and the importance of upholding them.

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

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

This verse emphasizes the fulfillment of contracts, which includes the responsibility of returning entrusted items or fulfilling entrusted duties. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to honesty and integrity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold their trustworthiness in all aspects of life. Fulfilling our responsibilities and returning trusts not only reflects our moral character but also strengthens the bonds of trust within society. When we honor our commitments and act with integrity, we contribute to a just and harmonious community.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of forgiveness and maintaining ethical conduct, even in the face of betrayal. It encourages Muslims to rise above personal grievances and to act with righteousness. By not retaliating against those who have betrayed our trust, we demonstrate the qualities of patience, forgiveness, and compassion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to fulfill their responsibilities and maintain trustworthiness. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of honesty, integrity, and fulfilling our commitments. By returning trusts and not acting treacherously, we contribute to a just and harmonious society, while also embodying the noble qualities of forgiveness and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be trustworthy individuals and grant us the strength to fulfill our responsibilities.