Hadith #7567

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he emphasizes the importance of knowledge and the need for it to surpass one's speech. He states that a person's intelligence should prevail over their tongue. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ" in this Hadith refers to a comprehensive understanding and awareness of various subjects. It encompasses religious knowledge, worldly knowledge, and moral knowledge. It is not limited to mere memorization or recitation, but rather it encompasses the practical application of knowledge in one's life.

The phrase (should surpass his speech) "زائِداً عَلى نُطْقِهِ" highlights the importance of actions over mere words. It implies that a person's knowledge should be reflected in their behavior and actions. It is not enough to possess knowledge, but it should be manifested in one's character and conduct. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Asr (103:3) where Allah says,

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that a person's intelligence should prevail over their tongue. The word (intelligence) "عَقْلُهُ" refers to one's ability to reason, understand, and make sound judgments. It is the intellect that should guide a person's speech, ensuring that their words are wise, beneficial, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in line with the Quranic emphasis on the importance of controlling one's speech. In Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah 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 Muslims to speak in the best manner, avoiding arguments and disputes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the significance of knowledge and intelligence in shaping a person's character and behavior. When knowledge surpasses speech, it means that a person's actions and conduct are a true reflection of their knowledge. This is exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) who was described in the Quran as having the highest moral character (Surah Al-Qalam 68:4).

When intelligence prevails over the tongue, it means that a person's words are carefully chosen, guided by wisdom and understanding. This prevents them from engaging in idle talk, gossip, or spreading falsehoods. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6) to verify information before spreading it and to avoid backbiting and slander.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge and intelligence in shaping a person's character and conduct. It encourages Muslims to prioritize actions over words and to let their intelligence guide their speech. By doing so, we can strive to embody the teachings of Islam and be a source of guidance and inspiration for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement these teachings in our lives.