Hadith #8998

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best speech is that which is neither boring [because of its length] nor too brief.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of balance and moderation in our speech. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (the best speech) "خَيْرُ الكَلامِ", (that which is not boring) "ما لايُمِلُّ", and (nor too brief) "لايَُقَِلُّ".

To understand the significance of balanced speech, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

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 emphasizes the importance of choosing our words wisely and speaking in the best manner possible. It reminds us that our speech should be characterized by goodness, kindness, and clarity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse highlights the need to communicate effectively and to avoid unnecessary arguments or debates. It encourages us to focus on promoting goodness and righteousness, rather than engaging in futile discussions.

Now, let us reflect on the essence of Imam Ali's statement. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best speech is one that strikes a balance between being concise and comprehensive. It should neither be excessively long, causing boredom and disinterest, nor too brief, leaving the listener confused or unsatisfied.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed a deep understanding of the power of words. His knowledge and wisdom were unparalleled, and he was known for his eloquence and ability to convey complex ideas in a concise manner. He exemplified the ideal balance in speech, capturing the essence of a message without overwhelming the listener.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech. We should strive to communicate effectively, ensuring that our words are clear, concise, and impactful. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, maintain the attention of our listeners, and convey our message in the most effective manner.

In our daily lives, we can apply this Hadith by being mindful of the length of our conversations and speeches. We should aim to convey our thoughts and ideas in a concise and comprehensive manner, taking into consideration the attention span and interest of our audience. By doing so, we can ensure that our message is received and understood effectively.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of balanced speech. It reminds us to be mindful of the length of our conversations and to strive for clarity and conciseness in our communication. By following this guidance, we can enhance our ability to convey our thoughts effectively and maintain the attention and interest of our listeners. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak in the best manner and to use our words for the betterment of ourselves and others.