Hadith #4801

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose breast cannot accommodate his secret has no preservation (or prudence).

This wise utterance highlights the importance of discretion and the ability to keep secrets. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hifz) "حِرْزَ" in the Hadith refers to preservation or prudence. It signifies the act of safeguarding something valuable or protecting oneself from harm. In this context, it refers to the ability to keep secrets and maintain confidentiality. The word (sirrah) "سِرَّهُ" means secret, something that is concealed or hidden from others.

The Hadith emphasizes that one who cannot contain or control their secret within their breast lacks preservation or prudence. This means that if a person is unable to keep their secrets to themselves and instead divulges them to others, they are displaying a lack of wisdom and discretion. Such individuals are prone to exposing themselves to potential harm or compromising their own interests.

The Quran provides us with guidance on the importance of discretion and the preservation of secrets. In Surah Al-Mujadila (58:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, when you converse privately, do not converse about sin and aggression and disobedience to the Messenger but converse about righteousness and piety. And fear Allah, to whom you will be gathered.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining discretion in our private conversations. It reminds us to refrain from discussing sinful or disobedient matters, and instead focus on righteousness and piety. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the potential harm that can arise from spreading secrets or engaging in gossip.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse reminds us to refrain from making negative assumptions about others and engaging in backbiting or spying. It teaches us the importance of preserving the dignity and honor of our fellow Muslims. By keeping secrets and avoiding gossip, we demonstrate our fear of Allah and our commitment to maintaining the unity and harmony of the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise prudence and discretion in their interactions with others. It encourages us to be trustworthy individuals who can be relied upon to keep secrets. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from potential harm but also contribute to the establishment of a society built on trust and mutual respect.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of self-control and self-discipline. It reminds us that true wisdom lies in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. By keeping our secrets within our breasts, we demonstrate our ability to exercise restraint and control over our words and actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of discretion and the ability to keep secrets. It reminds us of the importance of preserving the trust of others and maintaining confidentiality. By adhering to these principles, we not only protect ourselves from potential harm but also contribute to the establishment of a society characterized by trust, unity, and respect. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold these values in our lives.