Hadith #10677

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاتَجْتَمِعُ أمانَةٌ ونَميمَةٌ۔" which translates to

Trustworthiness and talebearing do not go together.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the incompatibility of two distinct qualities - trustworthiness and talebearing.

Let us first delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "Amanah" refers to trustworthiness, honesty, and fulfilling one's responsibilities. It encompasses the idea of being reliable and faithful in fulfilling the trust placed upon an individual. On the other hand, "Namimah" refers to talebearing, gossiping, and spreading rumors about others. It involves the act of revealing secrets or spreading harmful information with the intention of causing harm or discord.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness in several verses. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the obligation upon Muslims to fulfill their promises and commitments, which is a manifestation of trustworthiness. Similarly, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:27), Allah states,

O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].

This verse emphasizes the gravity of betraying trusts and the need for Muslims to uphold their responsibilities.

Furthermore, the Quran also condemns talebearing and gossiping. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah warns,

And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it.

This verse highlights the repugnance of backbiting and compares it to consuming the flesh of a deceased person, which is universally abhorred. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to refrain from engaging in such harmful behavior.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith draws our attention to the inherent contradiction between trustworthiness and talebearing. Trustworthiness is a quality that is highly regarded in Islam, as it reflects the character of a believer who is reliable, honest, and fulfills their obligations. Talebearing, on the other hand, involves spreading harmful information about others, which can lead to the erosion of trust and the breakdown of relationships within the community.

When trustworthiness and talebearing coexist, it creates a paradoxical situation. A person who engages in talebearing cannot be trusted with confidential information, as they have shown a propensity to betray the trust placed upon them. This not only damages their own reputation but also undermines the trust that others have in them. Conversely, a trustworthy individual refrains from engaging in talebearing, as they understand the importance of preserving the sanctity of trust and the detrimental consequences of spreading rumors.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the quality of trustworthiness and to abstain from talebearing. By doing so, we uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for others. Trustworthiness fosters strong relationships, builds a sense of unity within the community, and promotes a culture of trust and cooperation. On the other hand, talebearing breeds discord, sows seeds of mistrust, and undermines the fabric of society.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran. By prioritizing trustworthiness and refraining from talebearing, we contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society. Let us reflect upon this Hadith and make a conscious effort to be trustworthy individuals who refrain from engaging in harmful gossip, thereby fostering an environment of trust, unity, and peace. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness.