Hadith #10582

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us, as Muslims, to refrain from engaging in any evil speech or action. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (Do not permit yourself) "لا تُرَخِّصْ" and (evil speech or action) "سَيِّءِ الأقْوالِ والأفْعالِ". The word "تُرَخِّصْ" comes from the root word "رَخَصَ" which means to give oneself permission or to allow. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us not to grant ourselves permission to engage in any form of evil speech or action.

To understand the gravity of this advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking that which is best, as it promotes harmony and unity among people. It also warns us against the influence of Satan, who seeks to sow discord and division through evil speech.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us to be cautious with our words and actions, as we will be held accountable for them. We should refrain from engaging in any evil speech or action that we have no knowledge about, as it can lead to harmful consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of our words and actions. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of our choices and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. By refraining from evil speech and actions, we not only protect ourselves from sin but also contribute to a more harmonious and virtuous society.

For instance, if we engage in gossip or backbiting, we not only harm the reputation and dignity of others but also create an atmosphere of mistrust and discord. On the other hand, if we choose to speak kind words and engage in actions that benefit others, we foster an environment of love, compassion, and unity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the profound impact of our words and actions. He recognized that our speech and behavior have the power to shape our own character and influence those around us. Therefore, his advice serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be conscious of the power of their words and actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us as Muslims to refrain from engaging in any evil speech or action. It reminds us of the importance of being mindful of our words and actions, as they have the power to shape our character and impact those around us. By adhering to this advice, we strive towards righteousness and contribute to a more harmonious and virtuous society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in following the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the strength to abstain from evil speech and actions.