Hadith #7120

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The intellect of every person is deduced by what passes upon his tongue.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the significance of our words and their reflection on our intellect and character. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, drawing upon the teachings of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (aql) "عَقْلِ", which translates to "intellect" or "reason." It refers to the faculty of understanding, discernment, and rationality that distinguishes humans from other creatures. Our intellect is a divine blessing that enables us to make informed decisions and comprehend the world around us.

The Hadith highlights that the true measure of a person's intellect can be deduced by observing what they say. Our words are a reflection of our thoughts, beliefs, and values. They reveal the level of our understanding, wisdom, and moral character. The tongue, as a tool of expression, plays a crucial role in manifesting the state of our intellect.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the wisdom behind this Hadith. For instance, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:42),

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse emphasizes the importance of good character, which is closely linked to the intellect. Our words are a reflection of our character, and a person of sound intellect will exhibit good moral conduct in their speech.

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

Be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.

This verse highlights the importance of patience and forbearance in the face of negative or ignorant speech. It demonstrates the intellect and wisdom of the Prophet (ﷺ) in dealing with different situations.

The consequences of our words are far-reaching. They can either elevate our intellect or diminish it. When we speak with wisdom, kindness, and truthfulness, our intellect is enhanced, and we earn the respect and admiration of others. Conversely, if our words are filled with ignorance, falsehood, or hurtful intentions, our intellect is diminished, and we lose the trust and credibility of those around us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech. We should strive to use our intellect to choose our words wisely, speaking with knowledge, sincerity, and compassion. Our words should be a source of guidance, encouragement, and enlightenment for others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that the power of our words lies not only in their impact on others but also in their influence on our own intellect and character. By aligning our speech with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can nurture and develop our intellect, becoming individuals of wisdom, righteousness, and integrity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to use our intellect to speak words that are pleasing to Him and beneficial to ourselves and others. May He guide us to follow the path of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to discern right from wrong in our speech.