Hadith #3462

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,

Treachery is an indication of lack of piety and absence of religiosity.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali highlights the grave consequences of treachery and deceit in the life of a Muslim. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (khiyānah) "خيانة" in Arabic refers to treachery, betrayal, or deceit. It is an act of breaking the trust and loyalty that one has towards another. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this act is not only a breach of trust but also an indication of two important deficiencies: (qillat al-wara') "قِلَّةِ الوَرَعِ" and (adam al-dīānah) "عَدَمِ الدِّيانَةِ".

The term (wara') "وَرَع" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah. It is a state of consciousness that prevents a person from engaging in sinful acts. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) suggests that treachery is a sign of lacking this piety. A person who is truly pious and God-conscious would never resort to betraying others, as they are aware of the severe consequences of such actions in the eyes of Allah.

The second deficiency highlighted in the Hadith is (adam al-dīānah) "عَدَمِ الدِّيانَةِ", which can be translated as the absence of religiosity. This implies that treachery is a manifestation of a weak or non-existent faith. A person who truly believes in the teachings of Islam and follows the guidance of the Quran would never engage in treacherous acts, as it goes against the fundamental principles of honesty, trustworthiness, and justice that Islam promotes.

To further understand the gravity of treachery and its consequences, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188),

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the prohibition of unjustly taking the wealth of others, which includes acts of treachery and deceit. It emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and fairness in all financial transactions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in all aspects of life, including our interactions with others. It reminds us that treachery and betrayal are contrary to the principles of justice and righteousness that Islam promotes.

The consequences of treachery are severe, both in this world and the hereafter. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

So for their breaking of the covenant We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort words from their [proper] usages and have forgotten a portion of that of which they were reminded. And you will still observe deceit among them, except a few of them. But pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the consequences of breaking covenants and engaging in deceitful behavior. It serves as a reminder that treachery not only leads to the loss of trust and credibility but also hardens the heart and distances one from the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the grave consequences of treachery and deceit. It indicates a lack of piety and religiosity, as it goes against the principles of honesty, trustworthiness, and justice that Islam promotes. The Quranic verses mentioned further emphasize the importance of upholding justice, fairness, and trust in all our dealings. As Muslims, we must strive to embody these values and avoid any form of treachery or betrayal, for it not only harms others but also distances us from the path of righteousness and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to be people of integrity and righteousness.