Hadith #9638

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The best praise is that which flows from the tongues of the righteous.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of sincere and righteous praise. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ثَنَاء) "thana" in Arabic refers to praise or commendation. It is an expression of admiration and recognition of someone's virtues or qualities. The word (جَرَى) "jara" means to flow or run. Therefore, the phrase (الثَّنَاءِ ما جَرى عَلى اَلْسِنَةِ الأبْرارِ)

al-thana ma jara 'ala al-sinat al-abrar

can be understood as the best praise is that which naturally and effortlessly flows from the tongues of the righteous.

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 Allah's guidance and support in all our actions, including our speech. When our praise flows naturally from the tongues of the righteous, it reflects our firm belief in Allah's guidance and our commitment to righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

This verse reminds us of the importance of remembering Allah in our hearts and being conscious of His presence at all times. When our praise flows from the tongues of the righteous, it is a manifestation of our remembrance of Allah and our humility before Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that true praise is not mere lip service or empty words. It is a reflection of the righteousness and sincerity that resides within the hearts of the believers. The praise that flows effortlessly from the tongues of the righteous is a result of their deep understanding and knowledge of the qualities and virtues of those they are praising.

For example, when we praise Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), it should not be limited to mere recitation of words. Rather, it should be a heartfelt expression of gratitude, awe, and love for our Creator. Similarly, when we praise the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) or Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), it should be based on our knowledge and understanding of their noble character, their sacrifices, and their teachings.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are profound. When our praise is sincere and flows naturally from the tongues of the righteous, it not only uplifts the spirits of those being praised but also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for others. It creates an atmosphere of positivity, love, and unity among the believers. Moreover, it strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and increases our own spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of sincere and righteous praise. It reminds us that true praise is not limited to words alone but should flow naturally from the tongues of the righteous. By understanding the qualities and virtues of those we praise and expressing our admiration sincerely, we can create a positive and uplifting environment within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be among the righteous and enable our praise to be sincere and pleasing to Him.