Hadith #357

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Speak so that you may be known, since man is hidden under his tongue.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of our words and the power they hold in revealing our true selves. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (speak) "تَكَلَّمُوا" in this Hadith refers to the act of expressing oneself through words. It highlights the significance of communication and the impact it has on our identity. Our words can either reflect our true character or mask our true intentions. Hence, it is crucial to choose our words wisely and speak with sincerity and integrity.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the importance of speaking the truth and avoiding falsehood. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the need to verify information before spreading it, as our words can have serious consequences. It is a reminder to Muslims to speak responsibly and not contribute to spreading rumors or false information.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states, (since man is hidden under his tongue)

فَإِنَّ الْمَرْءَ مَخْبُوءٌ تَحْتَ لِسَانِهِ

This phrase highlights the idea that our true selves are revealed through our words. Our speech reflects our thoughts, beliefs, and values. It is a window into our inner world. If our words are filled with kindness, honesty, and wisdom, it indicates a noble character. Conversely, if our words are filled with deceit, arrogance, and malice, it reveals a corrupt and immoral nature.

The Quran provides numerous examples of the power of speech and its consequences. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:283), Allah says,

And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a security deposit [should be] taken. And if one of you entrusts another, then let him who is entrusted discharge his trust [faithfully] and let him fear Allah, his Lord. And do not conceal testimony, for whoever conceals it - his heart is indeed sinful, and Allah is Knowing of what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of truthful testimony and the consequences of concealing it. It teaches Muslims to speak the truth even if it is against their own interests, as concealing the truth is a sign of a sinful heart.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their words and the impact they have on themselves and others. Our speech should be a reflection of our faith, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is through our words that we can build bridges, spread love and compassion, and contribute positively to society.

Let us strive to speak with wisdom, kindness, and sincerity, so that our words become a means of guidance and inspiration for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our tongues and use our words for the betterment of ourselves and humanity. May He bless us with the understanding and application of the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).