Hadith #7285

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

The intellect of every person is manifested by that which is spoken by his tongue.

This beautiful saying highlights the significance of one's speech as a reflection of their intellect and inner thoughts. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (aql) "عَقْلِ" in the Hadith refers to intellect or reason. It is the faculty of understanding, discernment, and rational thinking that distinguishes humans from other creatures. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed us with this unique ability to comprehend and make informed decisions.

The Hadith emphasizes that the true measure of a person's intellect is revealed through their speech. Our words reflect our thoughts, beliefs, and values. They are a window into our inner world. The tongue, therefore, becomes a powerful tool that can either showcase wisdom and intelligence or expose ignorance and foolishness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support this concept. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

Indeed, your Lord knows best who strays from His way, and He knows best who are the guided ones.

This verse highlights that Allah is fully aware of the true nature of individuals, including their intellect and the choices they make.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative speech and engaging in productive dialogue. It highlights the significance of using our intellect to discern between good and bad speech.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that our words have consequences. They can either elevate our intellect and bring us closer to Allah or diminish our intellect and distance us from Him. Our speech should be guided by wisdom, knowledge, and righteousness.

For instance, when we engage in discussions or debates, we should present our arguments with clarity, logic, and respect. We should avoid resorting to insults, slander, or baseless claims. This aligns with the Quranic teachings of maintaining good conduct and upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

Moreover, our speech should also reflect our understanding of religious matters. It is essential to seek knowledge and deepen our understanding of Islam to ensure that our words are in line with the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This requires continuous learning, reflection, and self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be mindful of their speech. Our words have the power to either elevate or diminish our intellect. By using our intellect to speak wisely, truthfully, and respectfully, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah and contribute positively to society. May Allah grant us the wisdom to choose our words carefully and may He bless us with the ability to manifest our intellect through righteous speech.