Hadith #2279

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) states,

Forget your gift, [and] remember your promise.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (rifdaka) "رِفْدَكَ" in Arabic refers to a gift or favor bestowed upon someone. It signifies something given to another person out of kindness or generosity. On the other hand, the word (wa'daka) "وَعْدَكَ" means a promise or commitment made by an individual.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to forget the gifts we have received from others and instead focus on fulfilling our promises and commitments. This teaching emphasizes the importance of integrity, trustworthiness, and honoring our word.

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

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

This verse highlights the accountability we have for our promises and the importance of fulfilling them.

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

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

This verse underscores the obligation upon believers to honor their commitments and fulfill their promises.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice encourages us to prioritize our responsibilities and commitments over material possessions or favors received. It reminds us that our integrity and trustworthiness are far more valuable than any worldly gift.

By prioritizing our promises, we cultivate a sense of reliability and trustworthiness in our relationships. When we fulfill our commitments, we establish a strong foundation of trust with others, which is essential for harmonious and productive interactions.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaching reminds us of the importance of being true to our word, both in our dealings with others and in our relationship with Allah. When we make promises to Allah, such as fulfilling our religious obligations or striving to improve ourselves, we must prioritize these commitments over any worldly distractions or temptations.

For example, if we have promised ourselves to establish regular prayer, we should not let the allure of material possessions or worldly desires distract us from fulfilling this commitment. By remembering our promise to Allah, we strengthen our connection with Him and strive to lead a life of righteousness and piety.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Forget your gift, [and] remember your promise

serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize fulfilling their commitments and promises over material possessions or favors received. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, trustworthiness, and honoring our word, both in our relationships with others and in our relationship with Allah. May we always strive to uphold our promises and commitments, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the betterment of ourselves and society.