Hadith #8927

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose speech is less, his fault is nullified.

This Hadith highlights the importance of controlling one's speech and the positive consequences that come with it. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (qalla) "قَلَّ" in the Hadith means "less" or "reduced." It refers to restraining oneself from excessive speech. This does not imply complete silence, but rather moderation in speech. By speaking less, one can avoid many potential faults and errors.

The word (kalāmuhu) "كَلَامُهُ" refers to one's speech or words. It encompasses both verbal and written communication. Our words have a profound impact on our relationships, our actions, and our overall character. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of what we say and how much we say.

The phrase (batila 'aybuhu) "بَطَلَ عَيْبُهُ" means that one's fault or flaw is nullified. This implies that by speaking less, one can minimize the chances of making mistakes or committing sins. When we restrain our speech, we have more control over our words, and this leads to a reduction in faults and errors.

The Quran provides guidance and examples that support the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

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 that which is best. By speaking less, we can focus on choosing our words wisely and ensuring that they are beneficial and positive. This not only helps us avoid faults but also prevents the spread of discord and conflict, as Satan often uses our words to create divisions among people.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

This verse highlights the importance of moderation in worship. Just as Allah does not burden us with excessive acts of worship, we should also exercise moderation in our speech. By doing so, we can maintain a balance in our lives and avoid overwhelming ourselves with unnecessary words.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech. It encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our words and the impact they have on our relationships and actions. By speaking less, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and sins.

When we limit our speech, we create space for contemplation and reflection. We become more attentive listeners, allowing us to understand others better and respond thoughtfully. Additionally, speaking less can also lead to increased humility and self-control, as we prioritize the quality and impact of our words over their quantity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of controlling our speech and the benefits that come with speaking less. By restraining ourselves from excessive words, we can minimize faults and errors, maintain harmonious relationships, and cultivate a more mindful and reflective approach to communication. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement this teaching in our lives.