Hadith #9518

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of the tongue as a measure of a person's intellect and ignorance. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tongue) "لِسَانُ" refers to the physical organ responsible for speech. However, in this context, it symbolizes the power of speech and communication possessed by human beings. The word (gauge) "مِعْيَارٌ" signifies a standard or measure by which something is evaluated or judged. It implies that the tongue serves as a criterion for assessing an individual's intellectual capacity and level of ignorance.

The phrase (given weight by the intellect) "أَرْجَحَهُ العَقْلُ" highlights the role of intellect in determining the value and impact of one's speech. The intellect, which encompasses reasoning, understanding, and wisdom, adds weight and significance to the words spoken. It implies that a person with a sound intellect will use their tongue wisely, choosing their words carefully and thoughtfully.

To support this understanding, we find a parallel in the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.'

Here, the believers are instructed to distance themselves from ill speech and ignorance, emphasizing the importance of using the tongue wisely and avoiding harmful or ignorant speech.

On the other hand, the phrase (made light by ignorance) "وَأَطَاشَهُ الجَهْلُ" highlights the detrimental effect of ignorance on the weight and value of one's speech. Ignorance, which refers to a lack of knowledge or understanding, diminishes the significance and impact of one's words. It implies that a person lacking knowledge may speak without considering the consequences, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even harm.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against spreading rumors and engaging in idle talk, saying,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and verifying information before speaking, as ignorance can lead to unintended harm and regret.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the power and responsibility of their speech. It urges us to cultivate knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, so that our words may carry weight and contribute positively to society. It also warns against the dangers of speaking without knowledge, as it can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and harm.

By contemplating the significance of the tongue and its connection to intellect and ignorance, Muslims are encouraged to strive for knowledge, engage in meaningful dialogue, and use their words to promote unity, justice, and compassion. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to use our tongues wisely and protect us from the perils of ignorance.