Hadith #7887

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,

الوَعْدُ مَرَضٌ، والبُرْءُ إنْجازُهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises and warns against the negative consequences of breaking them. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (wa'd) "وَعْد" in Arabic refers to a promise or commitment made by an individual. It is a verbal agreement that creates an expectation of fulfillment. The word (marad) "مَرَضٌ" means ailment or disease, which implies that breaking a promise is harmful and detrimental to one's spiritual well-being. On the other hand, the word (bur') "بُرْءُ" means cure or remedy, indicating that the fulfillment of promises brings about healing and rectification.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the accountability we will face for our promises on the Day of Judgment. It serves as a reminder that breaking promises is not only a betrayal of trust but also a violation of our duty towards Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling all types of agreements, including promises. It reflects the Islamic principle of upholding one's word and maintaining integrity in all dealings.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the consequences of breaking promises. When we make a promise, we create an expectation in the hearts of others. Failing to fulfill that promise not only disappoints them but also damages the trust and bond between individuals. This leads to a breakdown in relationships, causing emotional distress and harm to the overall social fabric of the community.

Moreover, breaking promises also has spiritual implications. It tarnishes our character and weakens our relationship with Allah. When we make a promise, we invoke Allah as our witness, and breaking that promise is a betrayal of His trust. This act of dishonesty distances us from the path of righteousness and weakens our connection with the Divine.

Conversely, fulfilling promises brings about numerous benefits. It strengthens trust, fosters healthy relationships, and promotes a sense of reliability and accountability. When we fulfill our commitments, we demonstrate our integrity and sincerity, which are highly valued qualities in Islam. Moreover, fulfilling promises also brings inner peace and contentment, as it aligns our actions with the teachings of Islam and the expectations of Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be people of our word, always fulfilling our promises to the best of our abilities. This requires careful consideration before making commitments, ensuring that we are capable of fulfilling them. If circumstances change and we are unable to fulfill a promise, it is important to communicate openly and seek forgiveness from the affected parties.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the importance of fulfilling promises. It highlights the negative consequences of breaking promises and the positive outcomes of upholding them. By adhering to our commitments, we strengthen our relationships, maintain our integrity, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us to be people of our word and grant us the ability to fulfill our promises.