Hadith #7901

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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,

مَنْ حَفِظَ عَهْدَهُ كانَ وَفِيّاً۔

This can be translated as,

One who safeguards his covenant is considered loyal.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hafidha) "حَفِظَ" in this Hadith means to protect, preserve, or safeguard. It implies a sense of responsibility and commitment towards fulfilling one's obligations. It encompasses the idea of being faithful and true to one's word. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to honoring and upholding the promises and agreements we make with others.

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

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

This verse highlights the significance of fulfilling our obligations and honoring the agreements we enter into, whether they are formal contracts or informal promises.

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 reminds us that every commitment we make, whether it is to Allah or to our fellow human beings, will be questioned and held accountable for on the Day of Judgment. It emphasizes the gravity of our responsibilities and the need to fulfill them with sincerity and integrity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that by safeguarding our covenants, we demonstrate loyalty. Loyalty is a quality that encompasses faithfulness, trustworthiness, and steadfastness. It is a virtue that is highly regarded in Islam, and it is exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

The Quran provides numerous examples of loyalty. One such example is the loyalty of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) towards Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 124, Allah says,

And [mention, O Muhammad], when the Lord of Ibrahim (Abraham) tested him with commands and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, 'Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.' [Ibrahim] said, 'And of my descendants?' [Allah] said, 'My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.'

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Allah by fulfilling His commands, even when faced with difficult tests. His loyalty was rewarded by Allah, who made him a leader for the people. This example highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in our commitment to Allah and fulfilling His commands, as it is a testament to our loyalty towards Him.

Similarly, loyalty is exemplified in the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Despite facing betrayal and hardship, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained loyal to his principles and to Allah. In Surah Yusuf, verse 33, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) says,

My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant.

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) chose to remain loyal to his Lord, even when tempted by worldly desires. His loyalty was rewarded, as Allah eventually elevated him to a position of power and honor. This story serves as a reminder that loyalty to Allah and His commands should always take precedence over worldly temptations and pressures.

In light of these Quranic examples and teachings, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of safeguarding our covenants and remaining loyal. It reminds us that true loyalty is not merely a matter of words, but rather a reflection of our actions and commitments. By fulfilling our obligations and honoring our promises, we demonstrate our loyalty to Allah and to our fellow human beings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding our covenants and remaining loyal. It echoes the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of fulfilling our obligations and honoring our commitments. By embodying the qualities of loyalty and integrity, we strive to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, and we seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to uphold our covenants and remain steadfast in our loyalty.