Hadith #9562

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أمْسَكَ لِسانَهُ أمِنَ نَدَمَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who restrains his tongue is safe from regret.

This concise statement holds immense wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words. The word (amsaka) "أمْسَكَ" means to hold back or restrain. It implies having control over one's tongue and refraining from speaking unnecessarily or engaging in harmful speech. The word (lisānahu) "لِسانَهُ" refers to the tongue, which is a powerful tool that can either bring about good or cause harm. And finally, the word (nadamahu) "نَدَمَهُ" means regret or remorse, indicating the negative consequences that can arise from uncontrolled speech.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of guarding our tongues and speaking with wisdom. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

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 reciting the Quran and establishing prayer, but it also reminds us that Allah is aware of our limitations and forgives us for what we cannot do. Similarly, when it comes to our speech, we should strive to speak what is easy and beneficial, avoiding excessive talk that may lead to regret or harm.

Another verse that supports the wisdom of restraining our tongues is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 encourages us to choose our words carefully and speak that which is best. It reminds us that Satan seeks to create discord and division among people, and one of his tactics is to manipulate our speech. By restraining our tongues and speaking with wisdom, we can protect ourselves from falling into Satan's traps and maintain harmony within our communities.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When we restrain our tongues and refrain from engaging in idle talk, gossip, or hurtful speech, we save ourselves from the remorse and regret that often follow such actions. Our words have the power to shape relationships, influence others, and leave a lasting impact. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and mindfulness in our speech.

By controlling our tongues, we can avoid spreading rumors, causing misunderstandings, or hurting others with our words. We can foster an environment of respect, kindness, and empathy. Our silence in certain situations can be a powerful statement of restraint and wisdom. It allows us to reflect on the consequences of our words before uttering them, preventing us from saying things we may later regret.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His ability to restrain his tongue was a testament to his deep understanding of the importance of speech in shaping individuals and societies. His example serves as an inspiration for all Muslims to strive for excellence in their speech and to be mindful of the impact their words can have.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the value of restraining our tongues and the consequences of uncontrolled speech. By reflecting on the guidance of the Quran and the wisdom of our beloved Imam, we can strive to become individuals who speak with wisdom, kindness, and mindfulness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to guard our tongues and protect ourselves from the regret that follows uncontrolled speech.