Hadith #9653

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of two small parts of a person: the heart and the tongue. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that these two parts are crucial in determining the character and actions of an individual.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (qalbuhu) "قلبه" refers to the heart, which is not only the physical organ but also the center of emotions, intentions, and spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (lisanihi) "لِسانِهِ" refers to the tongue, which represents speech, communication, and expression.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness, which is deeply connected to the state of one's heart. The heart is the seat of faith, sincerity, and moral consciousness. It is through a pure heart that a person can attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and display noble character.

Furthermore, the Quran states 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.'

This verse highlights the importance of controlling one's tongue and using it wisely. Muslims are instructed to refrain from engaging in idle talk, backbiting, and spreading falsehood. Instead, they are encouraged to respond to negativity with peace and good deeds. This demonstrates the power of the tongue in shaping one's actions and interactions with others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes that when a person fights or engages in any form of conflict, it is not merely a physical battle but a reflection of their inner state. If the heart is filled with righteous intentions, the actions taken in battle will be just and for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Conversely, if the heart is corrupted, the actions will be driven by selfish motives and aggression.

Similarly, when a person speaks, their words are a manifestation of their inner thoughts and beliefs. If the heart is pure and guided by the teachings of Islam, the tongue will be used to convey truth, kindness, and wisdom. On the other hand, if the heart is tainted with arrogance, falsehood, or ill intentions, the tongue will be used to spread lies, engage in gossip, or hurt others.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate the state of their hearts and the words that come out of their mouths. It urges us to strive for purity of intention, sincerity, and righteousness in all our actions and interactions. By aligning our hearts and tongues with the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can become better individuals and contribute positively to society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to purify our hearts and use our tongues in a manner that pleases Him. May He bless us with the ability to embody the teachings of Islam and follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.