Hadith #7158

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The intelligent person does not speak except when he needs to or in order to present his case.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of thoughtful speech and highlights the wisdom of remaining silent unless there is a genuine need to speak or to present one's argument.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (intelligent person) "عاقِلُ" refers to someone who possesses wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. It is someone who exercises sound judgment and makes decisions based on reason and intellect. The word (speaks) "تَتَكَلَّمُ" refers to verbal communication, expressing one's thoughts and opinions.

The Hadith advises the intelligent person to speak only when there is a (need) "حاجَة" or a (case) "حُجَّة" to present. The word "حاجَة" refers to a necessity or requirement, while "حُجَّة" refers to a valid argument or evidence. This implies that an intelligent person carefully chooses their words and speaks only when it is necessary or when they have a valid point to make.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is supported by several Quranic verses. 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 encourages Muslims to speak in the best manner, choosing words that are kind, truthful, and beneficial. It reminds us to be mindful of the potential harm that can arise from careless speech.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse is a testament to the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and serves as a reminder for Muslims to emulate his example. The Prophet (ﷺ) was known for his wisdom, patience, and restraint in speech. He would speak when necessary and his words were always measured and impactful.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of thoughtful speech and the power of silence. It encourages us to reflect on the purpose and impact of our words before speaking. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary arguments, misunderstandings, and hurtful speech. It also reminds us to prioritize the quality of our speech over its quantity.

When we speak only when necessary or when we have a valid point to make, we demonstrate our intelligence and wisdom. We become more mindful of the impact our words can have on others and we strive to use our speech for positive purposes. This practice fosters better communication, strengthens relationships, and promotes a more harmonious society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of thoughtful speech and the wisdom of remaining silent unless there is a genuine need to speak or to present our case. It encourages us to emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and to choose our words carefully, ensuring that they are beneficial, truthful, and kind. By doing so, we can cultivate a culture of respectful communication and contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak wisely and the ability to use our words for good.