Hadith #9555

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,

لِسانُكَ يَسْتَدْعيكَ ما عَوَّدْتَهُ، ونَفْسُكَ تَقْتَضيكَ ما ألِفْتَهُ۔

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of our words and actions, highlighting the connection between our tongue and our soul.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. (your tongue) "لِسانُكَ" refers to the power of speech and communication that Allah has bestowed upon us. (demands from you) "يَسْتَدْعيكَ" implies that our tongue has a certain influence over us, and it requires us to speak in accordance with what we have accustomed it to. (that which you have accustomed it to) "ما عَوَّدْتَهُ" refers to the habits and patterns of speech that we have developed over time.

On the other hand, (your soul) "نَفْسُكَ" represents our inner self, our desires, and our inclinations. (requires from you) "تَقْتَضيكَ" signifies that our soul has certain needs and demands that must be fulfilled. (that which you have familiarized it with) "ما ألِفْتَهُ" refers to the actions and behaviors that we have become accustomed to.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:84),

And say to My servants to speak 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 speaking in a manner that is good and beneficial. Our tongue has the power to either bring harmony and unity or sow discord and division among people. Therefore, we must be mindful of our words and speak in a way that promotes peace and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing our limitations and not burdening ourselves with more than we can handle. Our soul requires us to engage in acts of worship and spiritual growth, but it is essential to strike a balance and not overwhelm ourselves with unrealistic expectations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that our words and actions have a profound impact on our soul. If we consistently engage in positive speech and righteous deeds, our soul will be nourished and guided towards goodness. Conversely, if we indulge in negative speech and sinful actions, our soul will be corrupted and led astray.

For example, if we habitually engage in backbiting, gossip, or spreading falsehoods, our tongue will demand more of the same, and our soul will become accustomed to such behavior. This will lead to a degradation of our character and distance us from the path of righteousness. On the other hand, if we make a conscious effort to speak truthfully, kindly, and with wisdom, our tongue will demand more of these noble qualities, and our soul will be uplifted and purified.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their words and actions. Our tongue and soul are interconnected, and they influence each other. We must strive to speak in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to others, and we must engage in actions that align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can nurture our soul and strengthen our relationship with Allah, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to control our tongues and purify our souls.