Hadith #10848

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to be cautious when forming relationships and alliances. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of human nature, advises us not to rely on the friendship of those who do not fulfill their promises.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (mawaddah) "مَوَدَّةِ" refers to friendship or affection, while (ahdihi) "عَهدِهِ" means promise or covenant. The word (la yufi) "لايُوفي" translates to "does not fulfill." Therefore, the Hadith can be understood as a warning against relying on the friendship of someone who fails to fulfill their promises.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:34)

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling commitments and promises, as they hold great weight in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 5:1)

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

This verse highlights the obligation upon believers to fulfill their contracts and agreements, further emphasizing the significance of keeping one's word.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is rooted in the principles of honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. When we form friendships or alliances, it is crucial to ensure that the individuals involved are reliable and trustworthy. A person who consistently fails to fulfill their promises cannot be relied upon, and their friendship may not be genuine.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be discerning in their relationships, seeking out those who are known for their honesty and integrity. By relying on individuals who fulfill their promises, we can build strong and trustworthy bonds that are based on mutual respect and sincerity.

Furthermore, this Hadith also highlights the consequences of relying on untrustworthy individuals. When we place our trust in someone who consistently fails to fulfill their promises, we may find ourselves disappointed, hurt, and betrayed. This can lead to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and emotional turmoil.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wisdom in this Hadith extends beyond personal relationships to encompass broader societal implications. When leaders or authorities fail to fulfill their promises, it can erode trust and undermine the stability of a community or society. Therefore, it is essential for individuals in positions of power to uphold their commitments and fulfill their responsibilities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims to be cautious when forming relationships and alliances. By relying on individuals who fulfill their promises, we can build strong and trustworthy bonds that are rooted in honesty and integrity. This Hadith also highlights the consequences of relying on untrustworthy individuals, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling commitments in personal, societal, and leadership contexts. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing reliable companions and grant us the strength to fulfill our promises.