Hadith #8952

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

لاتَكُنْ فيما تُورِدُ كَحاطِبِ لَيْل، وغُثاء سَيْل۔

This Hadith is a powerful metaphorical statement that carries profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims.

Let us first analyze the important words in this Hadith. The word (tawridu) "تُورِدُ" means "to mention" or "to talk about." The word (kahatibil-layl) "كَحاطِبِ" refers to the one who collects firewood at night. And the word (ghutha) "غُثاء" means "froth" or "foam," while (sayl) "سَيْل" refers to a flood.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding mockery, ridicule, and offensive speech towards others. It teaches us to be mindful of our words and to treat others with respect and dignity. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this message by warning against being like the person who collects firewood at night or the froth over the flood.

The metaphor of collecting firewood at night implies secrecy and darkness. Just as the person collecting firewood at night may stumble upon dangerous objects or get lost, speaking about others in secret can lead to harmful consequences. It can create divisions, spread rumors, and damage relationships within the Muslim community. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

And avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

Similarly, the metaphor of froth over the flood signifies something temporary and insignificant. Just as the froth quickly disappears and leaves no trace, idle talk and gossip hold no real value or benefit. In fact, they can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and the erosion of trust among Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55),

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their speech and to avoid engaging in idle talk, gossip, or backbiting. It encourages us to focus on meaningful conversations that promote unity, understanding, and the betterment of ourselves and our community. By following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can foster an environment of respect, love, and harmony among Muslims.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to guard our tongues and the strength to speak words that bring benefit and goodness to ourselves and others. May we strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam. And may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) unite the hearts of all Muslims and bless us with His mercy and guidance.