Hadith #5842

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ صَمَتَ سَلِمَ۔" which translates to

One who remains silent is safe.

This short but profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep wisdom and guidance for Muslims.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (samata) "صَمَتَ" means to remain silent or to refrain from speaking. It implies a deliberate choice to withhold one's words. The word (salima) "سَلِمَ" means to be safe, secure, or protected. It refers to a state of tranquility and well-being.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of guarding one's tongue and exercising restraint in speech. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:3), Allah says,

Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers, and who turn away from vain talk.

This verse highlights the virtue of abstaining from idle or frivolous speech.

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

Indeed, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His way, and He knows best who are the guided ones.

This verse reminds us that Allah is fully aware of our words and their impact, and He distinguishes between those who speak with wisdom and those who deviate from the right path.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the virtue of silence as a means of protection and safety. Remaining silent allows one to avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and harmful consequences. It is a way to preserve one's dignity and integrity, as well as to prevent the spread of falsehood or harmful gossip.

Silence can also be a form of self-discipline and self-control. It allows us to reflect on our thoughts and emotions before expressing them, ensuring that our words are measured and beneficial. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.

This verse teaches us the importance of responding to negative speech with patience and grace, rather than engaging in arguments or confrontations.

Moreover, silence can be a means of seeking knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, and he often emphasized the importance of contemplation and reflection. By remaining silent, we create space for deep thinking and understanding, allowing us to gain insights and perspectives that may otherwise be overlooked.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

One who remains silent is safe

reminds us of the virtues of silence and the power of restraint in speech. It encourages us to be mindful of our words, to avoid unnecessary conflicts, and to seek wisdom through contemplation. By practicing silence, we can protect ourselves from harm, preserve our integrity, and cultivate a peaceful and harmonious environment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak when necessary and the strength to remain silent when it is best.