Hadith #1353

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights three qualities that adorn the believers and serve as a source of their distinction. These qualities are: fear of Allah, truthful speech, and returning trusts to their rightful owners.

Firstly, let us delve into the significance of "fear of Allah" or "taqwa". Taqwa is a comprehensive term that encompasses consciousness, mindfulness, and fear of displeasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of being aware of Allah's presence at all times and striving to adhere to His commands and abstain from His prohibitions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Imran, 3:102)

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].

This fear of Allah motivates believers to be conscious of their actions, purify their intentions, and seek His pleasure in all aspects of their lives.

Secondly, "truthful speech" is emphasized as an adornment for believers. Truthfulness is a fundamental virtue in Islam, and it encompasses both honesty in words and sincerity in intentions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

Truthful speech reflects the integrity and trustworthiness of a believer. It entails speaking the truth, avoiding lies and deception, and upholding the principles of honesty and transparency in all interactions. By adhering to truthful speech, believers establish a foundation of trust and credibility in their relationships.

Lastly, the importance of

returning trusts to their rightful owners

is highlighted in this hadith. Trusts refer to anything that is entrusted to a person, whether it be material possessions, confidential information, or responsibilities. It is the duty of a believer to fulfill these trusts with utmost care and responsibility. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah An-Nisa, 4:58)

Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.

Returning trusts to their rightful owners demonstrates integrity, reliability, and respect for the rights of others. It also fosters a sense of accountability and ensures that the trust placed in a believer is honored and preserved.

Reflecting on this hadith, we can see the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words. These three qualities not only adorn the believers but also have far-reaching consequences in their personal and social lives. Fear of Allah instills piety, righteousness, and consciousness in the hearts of believers, guiding their actions and decisions. Truthful speech establishes a foundation of trust, sincerity, and open communication, fostering healthy relationships and promoting harmony within the community. Returning trusts to their rightful owners cultivates a culture of honesty, responsibility, and accountability, ensuring the preservation of rights and the establishment of justice.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to embody these qualities in our lives, striving to develop a deep sense of taqwa, speaking the truth with sincerity, and fulfilling our responsibilities and trusts with utmost care. By doing so, we not only adorn ourselves as believers but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and may He bless us with His mercy and guidance.