Hadith #9106

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure family, his noble companions, and all the righteous Muslims until the Day of Judgment.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

وتَرْكَ الكِذْبِ تَشْريفاً لِلصِّدْقِ۔

This can be translated as:

And [Allah has ordered the] abandoning of lying as a means of honouring the truth.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of truthfulness and the significance of abandoning falsehood. The word (taraka) "تَرْكَ" means "abandoning" or "leaving," while (alkizb) "الكِذْبِ" refers to "lying." The word (tashreefan) "تَشْرِيفًا" can be translated as

as a means of honoring

or "to honor." And finally, (assidq) "الصِّدْقِ" means "the truth."

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:119), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

This verse encourages Muslims to align themselves with those who are truthful, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in our actions and associations.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah says,

Indeed, the believers are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

This verse highlights the qualities of the believers, among which is their truthfulness. It emphasizes that true believers are those who are sincere and honest in their faith and actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that lying is not only a sin but also a dishonorable act. By abandoning lying, we honor the truth and uphold the values of honesty and integrity. Lying not only deceives others but also tarnishes our own character and integrity. It erodes trust and damages relationships, both with Allah and with fellow Muslims.

When we choose to abandon lying, we demonstrate our commitment to the truth and our willingness to uphold the values of Islam. This act of honoring the truth reflects our sincerity in our faith and our desire to align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Moreover, the consequences of lying can be severe. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:32), Allah warns,

So who is more unjust than one who lies about Allah and denies the truth when it has come to him? Is there not in Hell a residence for the disbelievers?

This verse highlights the gravity of lying about Allah and denying the truth. It serves as a reminder that falsehood leads to destruction and punishment, both in this world and in the Hereafter.

By abandoning lying, we protect ourselves from the consequences of falsehood and strive to attain the pleasure of Allah. We become individuals who are known for their honesty and integrity, earning the trust and respect of others. Our commitment to truthfulness becomes a reflection of our faith and a means of drawing closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of abandoning lying as a means of honoring the truth. By aligning ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we strive to be individuals of integrity and sincerity. We understand that lying not only dishonors the truth but also has severe consequences. Therefore, let us make a conscious effort to abandon lying and embrace the values of honesty and truthfulness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us on the path of truth and grant us the strength to uphold it.