Hadith #8955

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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Good speech is not completed except by good action.

This profound statement emphasizes the importance of aligning our words with our deeds. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (husn) "حُسْنُ" in this hadith refers to goodness, excellence, or beauty. It encompasses the idea of righteousness and virtuousness in both speech and action. The word (qawl) "قَوْلِ" means speech or words, while (amal) "عَمَلِ" refers to action or deeds. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that true goodness in speech can only be achieved when it is accompanied by good actions.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3),

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of not only believing but also performing righteous deeds. It is not enough to merely speak about righteousness; we must actively strive to embody it in our actions.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

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 highlights the importance of using good speech and refraining from insulting or ridiculing others. However, it is not enough to simply avoid negative speech; we must also engage in positive actions that promote unity, respect, and kindness.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our words hold weight and should not be empty or devoid of meaning. It encourages us to be mindful of our speech and ensure that it is backed by corresponding actions. For example, if we speak about the importance of honesty, we must also demonstrate honesty in our dealings with others. If we advocate for justice, we must actively work towards establishing justice in society. By aligning our words with our actions, we become individuals of integrity and sincerity.

Moreover, this hadith serves as a reminder that our actions speak louder than words. It is not enough to simply profess our faith or speak about our good intentions; we must actively manifest our beliefs through our actions. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteous deeds and their role in attaining success in this life and the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277), Allah says,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse highlights the inseparable connection between belief, righteous actions, and the fulfillment of obligations such as prayer and charity. It emphasizes that true success lies in the combination of faith and good deeds.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of aligning our speech with our actions. It reminds us that true goodness in speech can only be achieved when it is accompanied by corresponding good deeds. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the significance of righteous actions, we are reminded of the importance of embodying our beliefs through our behavior. Let us strive to be individuals of integrity, whose words and actions are in harmony, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness.