Hadith #7896

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَضْمَنْ مالاتَقْدِرُ عَلَى الوَفاءِ بِهِ۔

This amazing Hadith advises us not to guarantee or promise something that we are incapable of fulfilling. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (damana) "ضمن" in this Hadith means to guarantee or promise, while (maal) "مال" refers to wealth or possessions. The term (taqdir) "تقدر" denotes the ability or capability to fulfill a promise, and (al-wafa) "الوفاء" means to fulfill or complete. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us against making promises or guarantees regarding our possessions or wealth that we are unable to fulfill.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the principles of honesty and integrity emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1),

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

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our commitments, including promises and contracts. However, it is crucial to note that this obligation is contingent upon our capability to fulfill them.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not expect us to take on more than we can handle. Therefore, it is against the teachings of Islam to make guarantees or promises that exceed our capabilities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to be honest and realistic in their commitments. It encourages us to assess our abilities and limitations before making promises, especially when it comes to financial matters. By doing so, we avoid falling into situations where we are unable to fulfill our obligations, which can lead to negative consequences such as financial strain, broken trust, and damaged relationships.

For example, if a person guarantees to repay a loan within a specific timeframe, but they know deep down that they do not have the means to do so, they are setting themselves up for failure. This not only affects their own financial stability but also impacts the lender who may have relied on that promise. By adhering to Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, Muslims can avoid such situations and maintain their integrity.

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the importance of self-awareness and humility. It reminds us that it is better to acknowledge our limitations and be honest about what we can and cannot do. Islam encourages us to be truthful and transparent in our dealings, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to guarantee or promise something that we are incapable of fulfilling. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principles of honesty, integrity, and self-awareness. By being truthful about our capabilities and limitations, we can maintain our integrity, avoid negative consequences, and uphold the values of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always be honest and realistic in our commitments.