Hadith #9531

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

اللِّسانُ سَبُعٌ إنْ أطْلَقْتَهُ عَقَرَ۔

This Hadith is a beautiful Hadith that highlights the power and potential harm of the tongue if it is not restrained and controlled.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (tongue) "لِسَان" refers to the physical organ in our mouths that enables us to speak. It is a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil. The word (beast of prey) "سَبُعٌ" signifies the untamed and wild nature of the tongue. If left unchecked, it can cause great harm and destruction, just like a predatory animal.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of uncontrolled speech. In Surah Al-Qalam, verse 10, Allah says,

Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two-thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of reciting the Quran and establishing prayer, but it also highlights the need to speak only what is easy and beneficial. It reminds us that Allah is aware of our limitations and understands our circumstances. Therefore, we should not burden ourselves with excessive speech that may lead to harm or neglect our other obligations.

Another verse that supports the message of Imam Ali's Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, where Allah says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse cautions us against speaking about matters without proper knowledge. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for our words and actions. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and restraint in our speech, ensuring that we only speak the truth and refrain from spreading falsehood or engaging in idle gossip.

Imam Ali's Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech. It urges us to control our tongues and use them wisely. Unrestrained speech can lead to harmful consequences, both for ourselves and others. It can damage relationships, spread false information, and cause divisions within the community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight. Through this Hadith, he encourages us to reflect on the power of our words and the impact they can have. By restraining our tongues and speaking with wisdom, we can foster unity, promote understanding, and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech. It warns us about the potential harm that can arise from uncontrolled speech and urges us to exercise restraint and wisdom in our words. By aligning our speech with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to be better individuals and contribute positively to our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our tongues and speak with wisdom and righteousness.