Hadith #9549

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 tongue of the intelligent person is behind his heart.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and restraint in speech. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word "lisan" in Arabic refers to the tongue, which is the organ of speech. It is through our tongues that we express our thoughts, opinions, and emotions. The word "aaqil" means intelligent or wise, indicating a person who possesses sound judgment and understanding. The word "waraa" means behind or after, suggesting that the tongue should follow the guidance of the heart.

This Hadith reminds us that true wisdom lies in controlling our speech and ensuring that it aligns with the intentions and values of our hearts. It cautions against hasty and thoughtless speech, urging us to consider the consequences of our words before uttering them. This concept finds support in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us to speak with wisdom and kindness.

In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:53)

And say to My servants that they should 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 unity and harmony among people. It highlights the importance of using our tongues to spread goodness and avoid falling into the traps of Satan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam, Allah says, (Quran 68:10-13)

And do not obey every worthless habitual swearer, [Or] scorner, going about with malicious gossip - A preventer of good, transgressing and sinful, Cruel, moreover, and an illegitimate pretender.

These verses caution us against engaging in idle talk, spreading rumors, and indulging in backbiting. They remind us that our tongues have the power to either uplift or harm others, and we must use them responsibly.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that our words have consequences. When we speak without thinking, we may unintentionally hurt others, damage relationships, or spread falsehoods. On the other hand, when we exercise wisdom and restraint in our speech, we can inspire, educate, and bring about positive change.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also emphasized the importance of guarding our tongues. He said,

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.

This Hadith further reinforces the idea that silence can be a virtue, especially when we are unsure of the impact our words may have.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the immense power and responsibility that comes with the gift of speech. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the wisdom and restraint demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who was known for his deep knowledge and eloquence.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to control our tongues, speak with kindness and truth, and use our words to spread goodness and benefit others. May He guide us to follow the example of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.