Hadith #5715

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الصدق وسيلة", which translates to

Truthfulness is a means [of attaining success].

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (truthfulness) "صدق" refers to the act of being honest, sincere, and truthful in one's words, actions, and intentions. It is a quality highly emphasized in Islam, as it is a fundamental aspect of faith and righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Tawbah, Ayah 119:

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with truthful individuals and striving to embody truthfulness in our own lives.

Furthermore, the word (means) "وسيلة" signifies a path or a means to achieve a desired goal. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that truthfulness is not only a virtue in itself, but it also serves as a means to attain success in various aspects of our lives, both in this world and the hereafter.

To further understand the significance of truthfulness as a means of success, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat, Ayah 15:

Indeed, the believers are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

This verse emphasizes that true believers are those who not only have faith in Allah and His Messenger, but also demonstrate their sincerity and truthfulness through their actions. They strive in the cause of Allah, sacrificing their wealth and even their lives, for the sake of truth and justice. Such individuals are the ones who attain true success, both in this world and in the hereafter.

Moreover, truthfulness is not limited to our interactions with others, but it also encompasses being truthful to ourselves and to Allah. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar, Ayah 3:

Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, so worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in our worship of Allah. We are reminded to worship Him with pure intentions, devoid of any hypocrisy or pretense. By being truthful in our devotion to Allah, we establish a strong connection with Him and pave the way for success in both our worldly endeavors and our spiritual journey.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement that

Truthfulness is a means [of attaining success].

By embodying truthfulness in our words, actions, and intentions, we align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and the guidance of the Quran. This sincerity and honesty become a guiding light in our lives, leading us towards success in this world and the eternal bliss of the hereafter.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to cultivate truthfulness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to be truthful individuals, and may He bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.