لاتَثِقَنَّ بِعَهْدِ مَنْ لادينَ لَهُ۔
Never trust the promise of the one who has no religion.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Keeping Promises And Fulfilling Pledges)
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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
لاتَثِقَنَّ بِعَهْدِ مَنْ لادينَ لَهُ۔
This can be translated as,
Never trust the promise of the one who has no religion.
In this enlightening Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of religious commitment and its direct correlation with trustworthiness.
To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words. The word (promise) "عَهْدِ" refers to a commitment or agreement made between two parties. It implies a sense of trust and reliability. The word (no religion) "لَادِينَ" refers to someone who lacks a firm belief system or moral compass. It signifies an absence of faith and religious values.
In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness and the consequences of breaking promises. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, Ayah 1, Allah says,
O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.
This verse highlights the obligation upon Muslims to honor their commitments and fulfill their promises. It emphasizes the importance of trust in maintaining harmonious relationships within society.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Ayah 34, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
And fulfill every commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.
This verse serves as a reminder that every promise made will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment. It emphasizes the seriousness of fulfilling commitments and the consequences of betraying trust.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. It highlights the inherent link between religious commitment and trustworthiness. A person who lacks a solid foundation of faith and moral values may not prioritize fulfilling their promises. Their lack of religious principles may lead them to disregard the importance of trust and integrity in their interactions with others.
The consequences of trusting someone without religious values can be detrimental. Such individuals may easily break their promises, deceive others, and act in a manner that is inconsistent with moral and ethical standards. By warning against trusting those without religion, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is guiding Muslims to be cautious and discerning in their relationships and interactions.
Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) own life. His unwavering commitment to Islam, his deep knowledge of religious principles, and his impeccable character serve as a shining example for all Muslims. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound understanding of the importance of religious commitment and trustworthiness is evident in this Hadith.
As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We should prioritize our religious values and ensure that our actions align with our beliefs. By doing so, we can cultivate trust and integrity in our interactions with others, fostering a harmonious and righteous society.
May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between those who are trustworthy and those who are not. May He guide us to uphold our promises and fulfill our commitments, and protect us from the deceit of those who lack religious values. Ameen.
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