Hadith #7874

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إذا عاقَدْتَ فَأتْمِمْ۔" This can be translated as,

When you make an agreement, fulfil it.

This concise statement holds immense wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (aaqadta) "عاقَدْتَ" in the Hadith refers to making a contract or agreement. It implies a mutual understanding and commitment between two parties. This could be a formal contract or a verbal agreement. It highlights the importance of honoring our commitments and fulfilling our promises.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of fulfilling agreements in the Quran. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 1, Allah says,

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

This verse clearly commands Muslims to fulfill their agreements, regardless of their nature or magnitude. It encompasses both formal contracts and informal agreements made in daily life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 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 will face for not fulfilling our commitments. It reminds us that we will be questioned about the agreements we made in this world, and we will be held responsible for our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges Muslims to fulfill their agreements, regardless of the circumstances. It teaches us the importance of integrity, trustworthiness, and reliability in our interactions with others. When we make a promise or enter into an agreement, it becomes our duty to honor it, even if it becomes challenging or inconvenient.

Fulfilling our agreements has far-reaching consequences. It strengthens the bonds of trust and fosters harmonious relationships within society. When people know that Muslims are true to their word, it enhances their confidence in us and our faith. Conversely, failing to fulfill our agreements damages our reputation and undermines the trust others have in us.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see its relevance in various aspects of our lives. It applies to our personal relationships, business dealings, and even our commitments to Allah. For example, when we make a promise to a friend or family member, we should strive to fulfill it. In business transactions, we should honor the terms and conditions agreed upon. And most importantly, when we make a commitment to Allah, such as fulfilling our religious obligations or striving to improve ourselves, we must remain steadfast in our dedication.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His teachings, including this Hadith, serve as a guide for Muslims in all aspects of life. By adhering to his advice and fulfilling our agreements, we can uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness that are essential in Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our agreements. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of honoring commitments. By upholding our promises, we strengthen our relationships, build trust, and demonstrate our integrity as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fulfill our agreements and be true to our word.