Hadith #8934

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who does not make his speech appropriate (or is not able to bear [others’] speech) does not hear beautiful words.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of speaking in a beautiful and appropriate manner, as well as the ability to listen to beautiful words.

Let us first delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (jameela) "جَمِيلَةً" means beautiful or good words, while (yajmil) "يَجْمِلْ" means to make something beautiful or appropriate. On the other hand, (qaylan) "قَيْلًا" refers to speech or words, and (yahmil) "يَحْمِلْ" means to bear or tolerate.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83:

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking good words to people. It is a reminder that our speech should be filled with kindness, respect, and sincerity. By doing so, we fulfill our duty towards Allah and towards our fellow human beings. Our words have the power to uplift, inspire, and bring people closer to the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 53, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our words wisely and speaking that which is best. It warns us against falling into the trap of Satan, who seeks to create division and discord through our speech. By speaking in a beautiful and appropriate manner, we not only protect ourselves from the whispers of Satan but also contribute to a harmonious and peaceful society.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences of not making our speech appropriate or not being able to bear the speech of others. When we fail to speak in a beautiful and respectful manner, we risk hurting others, causing misunderstandings, and damaging relationships. Our words have the power to build bridges or create walls between people. If we are unable to bear the speech of others, we may become closed-minded, intolerant, and lose the opportunity to learn from different perspectives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of both speaking and listening in a beautiful manner. He sets an example for us to follow, as he was known for his eloquence, humility, and ability to communicate effectively. By embodying these qualities, we can create an environment of understanding, empathy, and unity within our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to strive for beauty and appropriateness in their words. It encourages us to listen attentively and bear the speech of others, fostering a culture of respect and understanding. By aligning our speech with the teachings of the Quran and the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can contribute to a society that is characterized by kindness, compassion, and unity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to speak and listen in a beautiful manner.