Hadith #9545

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "قَوِّمْ لِسانَكَ تَسْلَمْ۔" which translates to

Set your tongue aright and you will be secure.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their daily lives.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (Qawwim) "قَوِّمْ" means to set aright, to rectify, or to establish. It implies the need to control and discipline one's tongue, to ensure that it is used in a righteous and beneficial manner. (Lisānak) "لِسانَكَ" refers to the tongue, which is a powerful tool that can either bring about good or cause harm. And (Taslum) "تَسْلَمْ" means to be secure, to be safe from harm or danger.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 in the best manner, choosing words that are kind, truthful, and beneficial. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the whispers of Satan and maintain harmony among ourselves as Muslims.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of uncontrolled speech, saying,

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 highlights the importance of moderation in our actions, including our speech. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) acknowledges our limitations and encourages us to do what is within our capacity, without burdening ourselves unnecessarily.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the power and responsibility that lies in our tongues. Our words have the ability to build bridges or break them, to spread love or sow discord, to bring comfort or cause pain. By setting our tongues aright, we ensure that our speech aligns with the teachings of Islam and contributes to the betterment of society.

When we control our tongues and speak with wisdom, we protect ourselves from the negative consequences of harmful speech. We avoid spreading rumors, engaging in backbiting, or causing strife among fellow Muslims. Instead, we strive to use our words to promote understanding, unity, and compassion.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the far-reaching implications of our speech. It affects our relationships with others, our reputation in society, and ultimately, our own spiritual well-being. By setting our tongues aright, we create an atmosphere of peace and harmony, both within ourselves and in our interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech. By setting our tongues aright and speaking with wisdom, we protect ourselves from the harm that can arise from uncontrolled speech. Let us strive to follow the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and use our words to spread goodness, love, and understanding among all Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our tongues and speak in a manner that pleases Him.