Hadith #8024

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Muteness is better than inarticulateness (or error).

This beautiful saying highlights the importance of silence and restraint in our speech. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word (kharas) "خَرَسُ" refers to muteness or silence. It signifies the act of refraining from speaking, especially when one's words may lead to error or confusion. On the other hand, (ayy) "عَيِّ" or (al-ghay) "الغَيِّ" refers to inarticulateness or error in speech. It represents the state of being unable to express oneself clearly or accurately.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:33),

Say: My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from speaking about Allah without knowledge. It reminds us that silence is preferable to uttering falsehoods or making baseless claims. By practicing muteness in matters beyond our understanding, we avoid falling into error and misguidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse encourages Muslims to verify the information they receive before spreading it further. It highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before speaking. By remaining silent and investigating, we can avoid spreading falsehoods and causing harm to others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to prioritize silence over inarticulateness or error in our speech. It serves as a reminder that it is better to refrain from speaking when we are unsure or lack knowledge on a particular matter. By doing so, we protect ourselves from spreading misinformation and causing confusion among others.

This Hadith also teaches us the value of humility and self-restraint. It reminds us that it is not necessary to speak on every issue or express our opinions without proper understanding. Instead, we should strive to acquire knowledge and wisdom before engaging in discussions or debates.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His silence in certain situations was a reflection of his deep understanding and the recognition that silence can be more powerful than words. He would carefully choose his words, ensuring that they were accurate and beneficial.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of muteness over inarticulateness or error in our speech. It urges us to prioritize silence when we lack knowledge or understanding on a particular matter. By doing so, we protect ourselves from spreading falsehoods and causing harm to others. Let us strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek knowledge before expressing our opinions, ensuring that our words are based on truth and wisdom. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice restraint in our speech and guide us on the path of knowledge and righteousness.