Hadith #11017

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the true essence of effective admonition and guidance. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (admonition) "وَعْظَ", (ears) "سَمْعٌ", (benefit) "نَفْعٌ", (speaking tongue) "لِسانُ القَوْلِ", and (tongue of action) "لِسانُ الفِعْلِ".

The word (admonition) "وَعْظَ" refers to advising, counseling, or guiding someone towards what is right. It involves imparting wisdom and knowledge to others in order to bring about positive change in their lives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the most effective form of admonition is one that is not only heard by the ears but also has a profound impact on the individual.

The phrase (ears) "سَمْعٌ" signifies the act of listening and paying attention. It implies that the admonition should not be easily discarded or ignored by the listener. It emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the message being conveyed and being receptive to it.

The term (benefit) "نَفْعٌ" refers to the positive outcome or advantage that is derived from the admonition. It implies that the guidance should be of practical value and should bring about tangible benefits in the life of the individual. It should have a transformative effect on their thoughts, actions, and character.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts the (speaking tongue) "لِسانُ القَوْلِ" with the (tongue of action) "لِسانُ الفِعْلِ". He suggests that true admonition is not merely expressed through words, but rather it is demonstrated through actions. Mere words, if not followed by corresponding actions, hold little weight and fail to have a lasting impact.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3):

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This Quranic verse emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and mutual advice towards truth. It aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith. It reminds us that true guidance lies not only in belief but also in actively practicing righteousness and advising one another towards truth.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:104):

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. It emphasizes that true success lies in actively promoting goodness and discouraging evil. This can only be achieved through actions that align with the principles of Islam.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of practical guidance and the power of leading by example. It teaches us that true admonition is not limited to words alone, but it is a holistic approach that encompasses both speech and action.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to embody the teachings of Islam through our actions. He reminds us that our actions speak louder than words and that our character and conduct should reflect the values and principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for sincerity and consistency in their actions. It urges us to be mindful of the impact our words and deeds have on others. By embodying the true essence of Islam through our actions, we can become effective agents of change and guidance in the world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to internalize the teachings of this Hadith and implement them in our lives.