Hadith #7168

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

العاقِلُ مَنْ صانَ لِسانَهُ عَنِ الغِيْبَةِ

which translates to

The intelligent person is one who guards his tongue from backbiting.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of restraining our tongues from engaging in backbiting, which is a harmful act that can damage relationships, spread discord, and lead to the erosion of trust among Muslims.

To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "العاقِلُ" refers to the intelligent or wise person who possesses the ability to discern right from wrong and make sound judgments. "صانَ" means to protect or guard, and "لِسانَهُ" refers to one's tongue. Finally, "الغِيْبَةِ" refers to backbiting or speaking ill of others in their absence.

The Quran provides us with several verses that highlight the importance of guarding our tongues and refraining from backbiting. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

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 emphasizes the gravity of backbiting by comparing it to consuming the flesh of a deceased person, an act that is universally repulsive. It serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to refrain from engaging in such harmful behavior.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of backbiting, stating,

Indeed, those who malign believing men and believing women undeservedly are cursed in this world and the Hereafter, and they will have a great punishment. On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do.

These verses highlight the severe consequences of backbiting, both in this world and the Hereafter. It is a sin that incurs the curse of Allah and will be a source of regret and punishment on the Day of Judgment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control over their tongues. By refraining from backbiting, we not only protect the honor and dignity of our fellow Muslims but also cultivate an environment of trust, unity, and harmony within the community.

Moreover, guarding our tongues from backbiting reflects the knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali was renowned for his deep understanding of Islam and his ability to apply its teachings in his daily life. His emphasis on the importance of restraining one's tongue from backbiting serves as a testament to his profound knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of guarding our tongues from backbiting. By doing so, we demonstrate our intelligence, protect the honor of our fellow Muslims, and foster an environment of unity and harmony within the community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to adhere to this noble teaching.