Hadith #1373

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 uprightness of a human being is in controlling the tongue and doing good deeds.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of two fundamental aspects of a person's character: controlling one's speech and performing righteous actions.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (uprightness) "صَلاحُ" refers to the state of being morally sound, upright, and righteous. It encompasses all aspects of a person's character and behavior. (a human being) "الإنسانِ" refers to every individual, regardless of their gender or background. (controlling the tongue) "حَبْسِ اللِّسانِ" implies restraining oneself from speaking ill, spreading rumors, engaging in backbiting, or uttering falsehoods. It emphasizes the importance of guarding one's speech and using it wisely. (doing good deeds) "بَذْلِ الإحسانِ" refers to acts of kindness, charity, and benevolence towards others. It includes acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and giving in charity, as well as acts of kindness towards fellow human beings.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. 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 highlights the importance of speaking in a manner that is good and beneficial. It reminds us to choose our words wisely and to avoid engaging in harmful speech that can lead to discord and division among people.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the significance of performing righteous deeds and acts of kindness. It encourages Muslims to engage in acts of charity, generosity, and compassion towards others.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us profound lessons. Controlling our tongues means refraining from engaging in gossip, spreading rumors, or speaking ill of others. It reminds us to be mindful of the power of our words and the impact they can have on others. By controlling our speech, we can maintain harmony and unity within our communities.

Additionally, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds. This includes acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting, as well as acts of kindness towards others. By engaging in acts of charity, compassion, and benevolence, we not only please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also contribute to the betterment of society.

The consequences of following this Hadith are far-reaching. By controlling our tongues and engaging in good deeds, we cultivate a sense of self-discipline and righteousness. This leads to personal growth and spiritual development. Moreover, our positive actions and words have the potential to inspire and uplift those around us, creating a ripple effect of goodness and righteousness within our communities.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound knowledge and wisdom were reflected in his ability to control his speech and engage in acts of kindness and justice. He was known for his eloquence and his ability to convey profound truths through his words. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as an inspiration for Muslims to strive for uprightness in their character and to emulate his example in controlling their tongues and performing good deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of controlling our tongues and engaging in good deeds. It reminds us to be mindful of our speech and to use it wisely, avoiding harmful words and spreading goodness instead. By doing so, we can strive for uprightness in our character and contribute to the betterment of ourselves and our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our tongues and engage in righteous actions.