Hadith #8992

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ تَفَقَّدَ مَقالَهُ قَلَّ غَلَطُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever reviews his speech, his mistakes reduce.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (tafaqqud) "تَفَقَّدَ" in the Hadith means to review, examine, or reflect upon. It implies a conscious effort to evaluate one's words before speaking them. By doing so, one can reduce the occurrence of mistakes or errors in their speech.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and mindfulness in our communication. It encourages Muslims to be cautious and deliberate in their choice of words, ensuring that they are accurate, truthful, and beneficial. It serves as a reminder that our speech has consequences and can greatly impact our relationships, both with Allah and with our fellow human beings.

The Quran provides numerous verses that highlight the significance of mindful speech. In Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 emphasizes the importance of speaking in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and promotes harmony among people. By reviewing our speech, we can ensure that our words are in line with the teachings of Islam and contribute positively to society.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding derogatory language and disrespectful speech. By reviewing our words before uttering them, we can prevent ourselves from engaging in harmful speech that may hurt others or damage relationships.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith also reminds us of the power of words. Our speech has the ability to inspire, educate, and motivate others. It can also be a means of spreading falsehood, causing division, and hurting others. By reviewing our speech, we can ensure that our words align with the values and principles of Islam, and that they contribute positively to the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages Muslims to cultivate the habit of self-reflection and self-improvement. By reviewing our speech, we become more aware of our own shortcomings and areas for growth. This self-awareness allows us to rectify our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and strive for personal development. It is through this process of self-reflection that we can become better individuals, both in our speech and in our actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of reviewing our speech and being mindful of our words. By doing so, we can reduce the occurrence of mistakes and errors in our communication. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of speaking in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to others. It reminds us of the power of words and encourages us to cultivate the habit of self-reflection and self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to speak with mindfulness and to continuously strive for self-improvement.