Hadith #5835

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) emphasizes the importance of silence and its profound impact on our well-being. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its deeper meaning and its connection to the teachings of the Quran.

The word (luzoom) "لُزُومِ" in the Hadith refers to clinging or adhering to something. In this context, it signifies the act of holding onto silence. Silence here does not imply complete absence of speech, but rather the practice of speaking only when necessary and refraining from idle talk. It is a state of tranquility and restraint that brings about peace and safety.

The Hadith highlights the benefits of silence, stating that it keeps us safe and protects us from regret. By choosing silence, we are able to avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and harmful words that may lead to regrettable consequences. Silence allows us to reflect on our thoughts and choose our words wisely, preventing us from uttering hurtful or inappropriate statements.

The Quran supports the significance of silence in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys.

This verse encourages us to speak in a measured tone and avoid raising our voices unnecessarily. By doing so, we maintain a peaceful atmosphere and prevent conflicts from escalating.

Another verse that emphasizes the value of silence is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 us to choose our words carefully and speak in a manner that promotes goodness and harmony. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the whispers of Satan and maintain unity among believers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to cling to silence is rooted in his profound knowledge and wisdom. He understood that silence is not a sign of weakness, but rather a manifestation of strength and self-control. By practicing silence, we cultivate patience, humility, and the ability to listen attentively. It allows us to understand others better, resolve conflicts peacefully, and avoid unnecessary arguments.

Moreover, silence provides an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection. It allows us to examine our own thoughts and actions, enabling personal growth and self-improvement. Through silence, we can attain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our purpose in life, and our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of silence in our lives. By practicing restraint in our speech and choosing silence when necessary, we can maintain peace, avoid regret, and foster harmonious relationships. Let us strive to follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran, embracing the power of silence as a means to attain tranquility and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to use our words wisely and the strength to embrace the beauty of silence.