Hadith #7621

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Utterances are recorded, secrets are [going to be] revealed and every soul is held hostage by what it has earned.

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

Firstly, let us understand the important words in this Hadith. The word (aqawil) "أقاويل" refers to the utterances or statements that we make. These include our spoken words, as well as our written or recorded words. The word (sirar) "سرائر" refers to secrets or hidden matters that are concealed from others. And the phrase (kullu nafsin bima kasabat rahinah)

كل نفس بما كسبت رهينة

means that every soul is held hostage by what it has earned, implying that we are accountable for our actions and will be held responsible for them.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the concepts mentioned in this Hadith. For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qamar (54:52-53),

And everything they did is in written records. And every small and great [thing] is inscribed.

This verse emphasizes the recording of our actions and the meticulous preservation of every detail, whether big or small.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Have you not seen that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth? There is no secret counsel of three but that He is their fourth, nor of five but that He is their sixth, nor of less than that or more but that He is with them wherever they are.

This verse highlights that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is fully aware of all our secrets and hidden conversations, even those that take place in the utmost privacy.

Now, let us reflect on the connotation of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of our words and actions. Our utterances, whether spoken or written, are meticulously recorded and will be brought forth for us to account for on the Day of Judgment. This highlights the significance of speaking truthfully, avoiding falsehood, and being mindful of the impact our words can have on ourselves and others.

Similarly, our secrets, no matter how concealed they may seem, will eventually be revealed. This serves as a reminder that we cannot hide anything from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who is fully aware of everything that transpires in the heavens and the earth. This should motivate us to guard our secrets and ensure that our hidden actions align with the teachings of Islam.

The phrase

every soul is held hostage by what it has earned

emphasizes the concept of accountability. Our actions, whether good or bad, will have consequences that we will be held responsible for. This should serve as a motivation to strive for righteousness and avoid sinful deeds. We should be mindful of the fact that our actions have a direct impact on our souls and will determine our ultimate fate in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of our words, actions, and secrets. It highlights the meticulous recording of our deeds, the eventual revelation of our hidden matters, and the accountability of every soul for what it has earned. As Muslims, we should reflect upon this Hadith and strive to align our words and actions with the teachings of the Quran, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the salvation of our souls. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.