Hadith #2613

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

حَقٌّ يَضُرُّخَيْرٌ مِنْ باطِل يَسُرُّ۔

This profound saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of truth, even if it brings harm, as it is superior to falsehood that brings temporary joy.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "حَقٌّ" refers to truth, which is the opposite of falsehood. Truth is that which aligns with reality and corresponds to the Divine teachings. It is the essence of honesty, integrity, and sincerity. "يَضُرُّ" means harm or damage, indicating that the truth may sometimes have negative consequences or cause discomfort. On the other hand, "باطِل" refers to falsehood, which is the opposite of truth. It is anything that deviates from reality or contradicts the Divine guidance. "يَسُرُّ" means joy or happiness, suggesting that falsehood may bring temporary pleasure or satisfaction.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truth and warns against falsehood. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42), Allah says,

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse emphasizes the need to uphold truth and not to compromise it by mixing it with falsehood. It highlights the importance of being honest and transparent, even if it may be difficult or uncomfortable.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:81), Allah states,

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse assures us that truth will always prevail over falsehood in the long run. It reminds us that although falsehood may bring temporary joy or satisfaction, it is inherently transient and will eventually fade away. On the other hand, truth, even if it brings harm initially, is everlasting and leads to ultimate success.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound wisdom and insight he possessed. He recognized that the pursuit of truth, even if it brings harm, is far superior to embracing falsehood for temporary joy. This Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize truthfulness and integrity in all aspects of their lives, even if it means facing difficulties or challenges.

The consequences of adhering to this principle are far-reaching. By embracing truth, Muslims can establish trust and credibility in their relationships, communities, and societies. They can contribute to the betterment of humanity by promoting justice, fairness, and righteousness. Moreover, the pursuit of truth aligns with the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the reality of the world around us.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of staying steadfast in upholding truth, even in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that the temporary joy derived from falsehood is fleeting and ultimately leads to disappointment and regret. On the other hand, the pursuit of truth, even if it brings harm initially, leads to long-term fulfillment and success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that truth, even if it brings harm, is far superior to falsehood that brings temporary joy. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of truthfulness and warn against the perils of falsehood. Muslims are encouraged to prioritize truth in all aspects of their lives, knowing that it leads to long-term success and fulfillment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always seek and uphold the truth, even in the face of challenges.