Hadith #8926

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ قَلَّ كَلامُهُ قَلَّتْ آثامُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who speaks less, his sins are less.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of controlling our speech and the direct impact it has on our spiritual well-being.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (qalla) "قَلَّ" means "to speak less" or

to reduce one's speech.

It implies restraining oneself from unnecessary or idle talk. The word (kalamuhu) "كَلَامُهُ" refers to one's speech or words. And the word (athamuhu) "آثامُهُ" refers to sins or transgressions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 speaking what is best, highlighting the negative influence of Satan in provoking discord through speech.

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

Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two-thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of reciting what is easy from the Quran, indicating that even a small amount of sincere recitation is highly valued by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that by speaking less, we reduce the chances of committing sins through our words. Idle talk often leads to gossip, backbiting, lying, and other harmful speech that can damage relationships and tarnish our character. By restraining ourselves and speaking only when necessary, we can avoid falling into these sins.

Moreover, speaking less allows us to focus on meaningful and beneficial conversations. It allows us to listen attentively to others and understand their perspectives. It also gives us the opportunity to reflect on our own words before speaking, ensuring that we choose our words wisely and speak with sincerity and kindness.

The consequences of speaking less are far-reaching. Not only does it reduce the chances of committing sins, but it also enhances our self-discipline and self-control. By restraining our speech, we cultivate a habit of thoughtfulness and mindfulness in our communication. This, in turn, strengthens our relationships, as others perceive us as trustworthy and considerate individuals.

In addition, speaking less allows us to prioritize listening and learning. It opens the door for us to gain knowledge and wisdom from others. By being attentive listeners, we can absorb valuable insights and perspectives, broadening our understanding of the world around us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His ability to speak less and convey profound meanings in few words was a testament to his deep understanding of the Quran and his exemplary character. By following his example and speaking less, we can strive to emulate his noble qualities and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of speaking less and the direct impact it has on our spiritual well-being. By restraining our speech, we can reduce the chances of committing sins and cultivate self-discipline and self-control. It allows us to prioritize listening, learning, and meaningful conversations. Let us strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and speak with wisdom, sincerity, and kindness, for in doing so, we will attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).