Hadith #7917

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us with three important principles: not to renege on our covenants, not to break our pledges, and not to double-cross our enemies. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has made His covenant and pact a safety for us.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (your covenant) "عَهْدِكَ" refers to a solemn promise or agreement that one makes with another party. It signifies a commitment that should be honored and fulfilled. The word (your pledge) "ذِمَّتَكَ" refers to a promise or obligation that one undertakes. It implies a sense of responsibility and trustworthiness. Lastly, the word (your enemy) "عَدُوَّكَ" refers to someone who is hostile or opposed to us.

To understand the significance of these principles, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our covenants in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 1:

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

This verse reminds us of the obligation to honor our commitments, whether they are formal agreements or informal promises. By doing so, we uphold the values of trustworthiness and integrity.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against breaking pledges in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise, and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our promises, as it is a characteristic of the righteous.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice. By not renegeing on our covenants and not breaking our pledges, we demonstrate our commitment to honesty, trustworthiness, and fulfilling our obligations. This applies not only to formal agreements but also to our everyday interactions with others. It is a reminder to Muslims to be true to their word and to uphold the values of integrity and reliability.

Additionally, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to double-cross our enemies. This principle is rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse teaches us that even in our dealings with those who may be opposed to us, we should strive to act with fairness and justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder to Muslims to uphold their principles and values, even in challenging situations. By honoring our covenants, fulfilling our pledges, and treating our enemies with fairness, we embody the teachings of Islam and strive to be righteous individuals. This Hadith encourages Muslims to be people of integrity, trustworthiness, and justice, reflecting the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself, who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of honoring our covenants, fulfilling our pledges, and treating our enemies with fairness. These principles are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the values of trustworthiness, integrity, and justice. By adhering to these principles, Muslims strive to embody the teachings of Islam and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), a paragon of knowledge and wisdom. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to uphold these principles in our lives.