Hadith #8983

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ أكْثَرَ المَقالَ سُئِمَ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever speaks too much, others get fed up with him.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran. The word (akthara) "أكْثَرَ" in the Hadith means "to speak excessively" or

to talk too much.

It refers to a person who indulges in excessive speech without considering the consequences or the impact it may have on others. The word (al-maqal) "المَقالَ" refers to speech or words. And the word (su'ima) "سُئِمَ" means "to become weary" or

to be fed up.

The Quran provides us with guidance on the importance of controlling our speech and the consequences of excessive talking. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us to speak only when we have knowledge and understanding, and to refrain from engaging in idle talk or spreading baseless rumors.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against excessive speech, saying,

Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has gone astray from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our words and not straying from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the quantity and quality of their speech. Excessive talking can lead to various negative consequences. It can cause annoyance and weariness among those who have to listen to it, as the Hadith suggests. Moreover, it can also lead to misunderstandings, spreading false information, and even damaging relationships.

Excessive speech can also divert our attention from more important matters and waste our time and energy. It can distract us from engaging in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and fulfilling our responsibilities. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:3),

Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayers, and who turn away from all that is vain.

This verse highlights the importance of focusing on meaningful actions and avoiding vain speech.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on their speech and strive for moderation. It reminds us to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others and to prioritize quality over quantity. By speaking less and choosing our words wisely, we can cultivate an atmosphere of tranquility and understanding in our interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a valuable reminder for Muslims to be cautious of excessive speech. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of our words and to strive for moderation in our communication. By doing so, we can foster harmonious relationships, avoid misunderstandings, and focus on actions that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak with knowledge and the ability to control our tongues.