Hadith #2005

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أَحَبَّ شَيْئاً لَهِجَ بِذِكْرِهِ۔

which translates to

One who loves something speaks about it constantly.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the natural inclination of humans to express their love and attachment towards something by constantly mentioning it.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words used. The word (ahabba) "أَحَبَّ" means "to love" in Arabic. Love is a powerful emotion that engulfs the heart and influences our thoughts, actions, and speech. When we truly love something, it becomes an integral part of our lives, and we cannot help but talk about it.

The word (shay'an) "شَيْئاً" refers to "something" in general. It encompasses all the objects, ideas, and concepts that hold significance to an individual. It could be a person, an object, a belief, a cause, or anything that captures our hearts and minds.

The phrase (lahija bidhikrihi) "لَهِجَ بِذِكْرِهِ" means

speaks about it constantly.

It implies that when we truly love something, we cannot contain our enthusiasm and passion for it. We find ourselves continuously mentioning and discussing it with others, sharing our thoughts, experiences, and knowledge.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of expressing our love and devotion towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:31),

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse highlights that true love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is demonstrated through following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). When we love Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we naturally speak about Him, His attributes, His blessings, and His guidance. Our love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) becomes evident in our conversations, as we constantly remember and mention His name.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the Messenger (ﷺ). When we love Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ), we cannot help but speak about their teachings, guidance, and the beauty of Islam. Our love for them becomes evident in our constant mention of their names and their message.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of expressing our love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His chosen ones. It encourages us to constantly mention and discuss the things we love, whether it be our faith, our Prophet (ﷺ), our Ahl al-Bayt, or any other aspect of Islam that holds significance to us.

By speaking about what we love, we not only strengthen our own connection and attachment to it, but we also inspire others to develop a similar love and appreciation. Our words have the power to motivate, educate, and transform the hearts of those around us. Therefore, let us strive to speak about the things we love, especially our faith, with sincerity, knowledge, and enthusiasm.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to love Him, His Messenger (ﷺ), and His chosen ones, and may our words be a means of spreading love, guidance, and inspiration among the Muslim ummah.