Hadith #943

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

One who has a dirty tongue has no etiquette.

This concise statement carries profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their interactions and speech. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (la adaba) "لاأدبَ" in the Hadith refers to the lack of etiquette or manners. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining good conduct and respectful behavior in all aspects of life, particularly in our speech. The word (sayy) "سَيّي" translates to "dirty" or "foul," indicating that the tongue is the source of impure and harmful speech.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of good speech and the consequences of its opposite. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

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 the Quran and seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that our words and actions should be in accordance with the teachings of the Quran. By doing so, we can attain forgiveness and blessings from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from insulting and ridiculing others. It teaches us to treat one another with respect and dignity, regardless of our differences. It highlights the negative consequences of using offensive language and emphasizes the significance of maintaining good conduct in our speech.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the meaning of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their words and to avoid engaging in harmful speech. Our tongues have the power to either build bridges or destroy relationships. Therefore, it is essential to exercise restraint and speak with kindness, empathy, and respect.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-discipline. It encourages Muslims to reflect on their own speech and to strive for improvement. By purifying our tongues and speaking with etiquette, we not only enhance our own character but also contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of maintaining good conduct in our speech. It urges Muslims to refrain from using foul language and to speak with respect and kindness. By aligning our words with the teachings of the Quran, we can foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and unity within the Muslim community and beyond. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to purify our tongues and to embody the etiquettes of speech.