Hadith #9075

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.

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

مَنْ كَثُرَ مَقالُهُ سُئِمَ۔

which translates to

One who talks too much makes others fed up.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of excessive speech.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word "مَقالُهُ" refers to one's speech or words, while "سُئِمَ" means to become weary, bored, or fed up. Thus, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning against excessive talking, which can lead to annoyance or fatigue in others.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205),

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the importance of reflecting upon Allah and remembering Him within ourselves, rather than indulging in excessive speech. It encourages us to be mindful of our words and to avoid being among those who are heedless.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

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 highlights the significance of speaking with knowledge and understanding. It cautions against engaging in discussions or making statements without proper knowledge, as we will be held accountable for our words.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech. Excessive talking can lead to various negative consequences. It can strain relationships, cause misunderstandings, and even lead to the spread of false information. Moreover, excessive speech can divert our attention from important matters and waste valuable time and energy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the virtue of measured speech. He would carefully choose his words and speak only when necessary, ensuring that his words carried weight and meaning. By following his example, Muslims can cultivate a habit of speaking thoughtfully and purposefully.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to strike a balance in our speech. We should be mindful of the quantity and quality of our words, ensuring that they are beneficial, truthful, and respectful. By doing so, we can avoid causing annoyance or fatigue to others and contribute positively to our relationships and communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak with moderation and the ability to use our words for the betterment of ourselves and others. Ameen.