Hadith #9534

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

بَلاءُ الإنْسانِ في لِسانِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The affliction of a human being is in his tongue.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense power and potential harm that lies within the tongue of a person.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (balaa) "بَلاءُ" refers to affliction, trial, or test. It signifies a difficult situation or hardship that one may face. (al-insan) "الإنْسانِ" refers to a human being, emphasizing that this affliction is inherent to our nature. And finally, (fi lisanihi) "في لِسانِهِ" means "in his tongue," indicating that the source of this affliction lies within the words we speak.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the significance of our speech and the consequences it can have. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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.

This verse reminds us of the importance of speaking only when we have knowledge, as our words have the potential to cause harm if based on ignorance or falsehood.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Indeed, your Lord is in observation.

This verse serves as a reminder that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of all our words and actions. Our tongues are not hidden from Him, and we will be held accountable for every word we utter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the power of the tongue to cause affliction. Our words have the ability to hurt others, spread rumors, and create divisions within society. They can also lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even wars. The consequences of our speech can be far-reaching, affecting not only ourselves but also those around us.

Moreover, the Hadith highlights the importance of controlling our tongues and using our words wisely. It serves as a reminder that we should strive to speak the truth, avoid backbiting, and refrain from spreading gossip or slander. By doing so, we can prevent the affliction that may arise from our tongues.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight. His statement in this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own speech and the impact it has on ourselves and others. It urges us to be mindful of the power of our words and to use them for good, to promote unity, understanding, and compassion among Muslims and all of humanity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the affliction of a human being lies in his tongue. It reminds us of the importance of controlling our speech, speaking the truth, and avoiding harmful words. By doing so, we can prevent afflictions and contribute to a harmonious and peaceful society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to use our tongues wisely and for the betterment of ourselves and others.