Hadith #7146

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One of the signs of intelligence is speaking what is right.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of using our intellect to speak truthfully and wisely. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (intelligence) "عَقْلِ" refers to the faculty of reasoning and understanding. It is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that distinguishes humans from other creatures. The word (speaking) "نُطْقُ" refers to the act of expressing oneself through words. It is through speech that we convey our thoughts, ideas, and beliefs.

The Hadith highlights the significance of speaking what is right, which implies speaking the truth and adhering to moral values. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in the Quran, stating in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

Indeed, the believers are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

Speaking what is right requires not only knowledge but also wisdom and understanding. It is not merely about uttering words, but about choosing the right words at the right time and in the right manner. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83),

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

Speaking what is right not only reflects our intelligence but also has profound consequences. It fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and promotes harmony within society. Conversely, speaking falsehood or spreading misinformation can lead to confusion, division, and harm. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this Hadith in his own life. His eloquence and precision in speech were renowned, and he always spoke with wisdom and truthfulness. He would carefully choose his words, ensuring that they were in line with the teachings of Islam and beneficial to the listener.

As Muslims, we should strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make speaking what is right a fundamental aspect of our lives. We should seek knowledge, reflect upon the teachings of the Quran, and use our intellect to speak truthfully and wisely. By doing so, we not only demonstrate our intelligence but also fulfill our duty as believers and contribute to the betterment of society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to speak what is right and guide us on the path of wisdom and righteousness. May He bless us with the intellect to discern truth from falsehood and the courage to uphold the values of Islam in our speech and actions. Ameen.