Hadith #2665

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

لاصاحِبَ أعَزَّ مِنَ الحَقِّ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no companion who is dearer than the truth.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sahib) "صاحِبَ" in Arabic refers to a companion, a close associate, or someone who accompanies another. It implies a deep bond and connection between individuals. The word (a'azz) "أعَزَّ" means dearer, more beloved, or more honorable. And the word (al-haqq) "الحَقِّ" refers to the truth, which is an absolute and unchanging reality.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truth. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:42)

And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know.

This verse highlights the necessity of upholding the truth and not compromising it with falsehood.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah states, (Quran 49:6)

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information and seeking the truth before passing judgment or taking action.

From these verses, we can understand that the truth holds immense value in Islam. It is the foundation upon which justice, righteousness, and harmony are built. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that there is no companion dearer than the truth. This means that in our relationships and interactions, we should prioritize the truth above all else.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this principle throughout his life. He never compromised the truth, even in the face of adversity. His unwavering commitment to the truth earned him the title of "Asadullah" or "Lion of Allah." He stood firmly for justice and righteousness, even when it meant going against the majority or facing personal hardships.

The consequences of prioritizing the truth in our companionships are profound. When we surround ourselves with individuals who value and uphold the truth, we create an environment of trust, sincerity, and authenticity. Our relationships become rooted in honesty and integrity, leading to a stronger bond and a more harmonious society.

On the other hand, if we compromise the truth in our relationships, we risk damaging the trust and integrity that should be the foundation of any companionship. When falsehood and deception seep into our interactions, they erode the very fabric of our relationships, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and ultimately, the breakdown of trust.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we should strive to be companions who prioritize the truth in all aspects of our lives. We should seek knowledge, verify information, and always speak the truth. By doing so, we not only honor the teachings of Islam but also contribute to the creation of a just and righteous society.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be companions who uphold the truth and grant us the wisdom to discern between truth and falsehood. May He bless us with sincere and truthful companions who support us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.