Hadith #8930

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and upon his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose speech is good, success is in front of him.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of good speech and its direct correlation with success in life. To fully understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (hasuna) "حَسُنَ" in Arabic means "good" or "beautiful." It refers to speech that is characterized by kindness, wisdom, clarity, and truthfulness. It is the opposite of speech that is harsh, deceitful, or hurtful. The word (kalamuhu) "كَلامُهُ" means "his speech" or

the words he utters.

And finally, (an-nujh) "النُّجْحُ" means "success" or "prosperity."

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

And say to My servants that they should speak that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking that which is best, which aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Good speech not only brings success but also helps in maintaining unity and harmony among people. It is a means to ward off the whispers of Satan and to establish a positive and peaceful environment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse teaches us to avoid engaging in ill speech and to distance ourselves from it. Instead, we should respond with peace and wisdom. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from the negative consequences of engaging in harmful speech but also contribute to a more peaceful and respectful society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the power of good speech and its impact on our lives. When we choose our words carefully, speaking with kindness, wisdom, and truthfulness, we create an atmosphere of positivity and success. Our words have the potential to inspire, motivate, and bring about positive change in ourselves and those around us.

Conversely, if we engage in negative speech, such as gossip, lies, or hurtful words, we sow seeds of discord and negativity. Our relationships suffer, and success becomes elusive. Therefore, it is crucial for us as Muslims to be mindful of our speech and strive to emulate the qualities of good speech that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the immense power of our words. By choosing to speak with kindness, wisdom, and truthfulness, we pave the way for success in this world and the hereafter. Let us strive to embody the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our speech, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us success in all our endeavors.