Hadith #8051

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

How appropriate it is for the treacherous one to be dealt with disloyally.

This statement highlights the consequences that befall those who engage in treachery and deceit. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (akhlaqa) "أخْلَقَ" in the Hadith refers to the act of creating or fashioning something. In this context, it signifies the creation of a person's character or behavior. The term (man) "مَنْ" denotes "whoever" or "the one who," indicating that this statement applies to anyone who engages in treachery. The word (ghadara) "غَدَرَ" means to betray or deceive someone's trust. It refers to the act of breaking a covenant or being disloyal.

To understand the gravity of treachery and its consequences, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against betrayal in Surah Al-Imran, verse 120, where He says,

And never will Allah grant to the disbelievers a way [to overcome] the believers.

This verse emphasizes that Allah does not grant success to those who betray the trust of the believers. Their treacherous actions will ultimately lead to their own downfall.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the righteous believers, stating,

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling promises and being loyal to one's commitments. Betrayal and treachery are antithetical to the qualities of righteousness and piety.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith serves as a reminder of the consequences that await those who engage in treachery. When someone betrays the trust of others, it is only fitting that they are dealt with disloyally. This does not mean that Muslims should engage in revenge or seek harm towards others. Rather, it emphasizes the natural consequences that arise from one's own actions.

For example, if a person consistently breaks their promises and deceives others, it is likely that they will lose the trust and loyalty of those around them. Consequently, they may find themselves isolated and facing difficulties in their relationships and interactions. This serves as a deterrent for others, highlighting the importance of honesty, trustworthiness, and loyalty in our dealings with one another.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences that befall those who engage in treachery and deceit. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of fulfilling promises and being loyal to one's commitments. Muslims should strive to embody the qualities of righteousness and integrity, avoiding treachery and betrayal in all aspects of their lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be truthful and trustworthy individuals, and protect us from the harms of treachery.