Hadith #7873

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إذا وَعَدْتَ فَأنْجِزْ", which translates to

When you make a promise, keep it.

This short but enlightening Hadith holds great significance in our lives as Muslims, as it emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our commitments and upholding our word.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words. The word (wa'adt) "وَعَدْتَ" refers to making a promise or giving one's word to someone. It implies a commitment or an agreement to fulfill a certain task or obligation. The word (anjiz) "أنْجِزْ" means to fulfill, complete, or carry out the promise that was made.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises and being truthful. Allah says in Surah Al-Isra (17:34),

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 the promises we make, emphasizing the seriousness of honoring our commitments.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah says,

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

This verse encompasses all types of agreements and contracts, including promises made between individuals. It emphasizes the obligation upon believers to fulfill their commitments, whether they are formal contracts or informal promises.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes the teachings of the Quran, reminding us of the importance of integrity and trustworthiness. When we make a promise, we are entering into a verbal contract with another person, and it is our duty as Muslims to fulfill that promise. By keeping our word, we demonstrate our sincerity, reliability, and respect for others.

Fulfilling our promises has far-reaching consequences in our personal and social lives. On an individual level, it builds our character and strengthens our moral fiber. When we consistently fulfill our commitments, we become known for our trustworthiness and reliability. This, in turn, fosters stronger relationships and enhances our reputation in the community.

Moreover, fulfilling promises contributes to the overall well-being of society. Imagine a world where everyone kept their promises. Trust and harmony would prevail, and social interactions would be based on honesty and integrity. By upholding our commitments, we contribute to the establishment of a just and ethical society, in line with the teachings of Islam.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we should evaluate our own behavior and assess whether we are fulfilling the promises we make. It is essential to be mindful of the commitments we enter into and to honor them to the best of our abilities. Whether it is a promise to a friend, a family member, or even a commitment to ourselves, we must strive to fulfill it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold their promises. By fulfilling our commitments, we embody the values of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness that are central to our faith. Let us strive to be people of our word, knowing that our actions have consequences not only in this world but also in the hereafter. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to fulfill our promises and be true to our word.