اَلمَرْءُ يُوزَنُ بِقَوْلِهِ، ويُقَوَّمُ بِفِعْلِهِ، فَقُلْ ما تَرَجَّحَ زِنَتُهُ، وافْعَلْ ما تَجِلُّ قيمَتُهُ۔
A person is weighed by his speech and valued by his action, so say that which is weighty and do that which has great value.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Human Being)
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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
A person is weighed by his speech and valued by his action, so say that which is weighty and do that which has great value.
This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of both our words and actions in determining our worth and character.
Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (يُوزَنُ) "yuzan" means to be weighed or evaluated, while (قَوْلِهِ) "qawl" refers to speech or words. Similarly, (يُقَوَّمُ) "yuqawwam" means to be valued or upheld, and (فِعْلِهِ) "fi'l" refers to actions or deeds.
To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),
And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.
This verse highlights the importance of seeking strength and steadfastness in both our words and actions. We should strive to have a firm and consistent character, reflecting the values and teachings of Islam.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the believers, saying,
Who avoid vain talk.
This verse emphasizes the need to refrain from idle and meaningless speech. Our words should be purposeful, meaningful, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. We should strive to speak the truth, promote justice, and spread goodness through our speech.
In another verse, Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
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.
This verse reminds us to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others. We should avoid mocking or belittling others, as it can lead to division and animosity. Instead, we should use our words to uplift and encourage one another, fostering unity and harmony within the Muslim community.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that our words and actions are interconnected and reflect our true character. It encourages us to be mindful of what we say and do, as they have a lasting impact on ourselves and those around us. Our words should carry weight and meaning, promoting truth, justice, and goodness. Likewise, our actions should be of great value, reflecting our commitment to living a righteous and virtuous life.
By embodying the teachings of Islam in both our speech and actions, we can strive to become better Muslims, pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to say that which is weighty and do that which has great value. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to embody the teachings of Islam in every aspect of our lives.
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