Hadith #5832

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Your remaining silent until you are requested to speak is better than your speaking until you are requested to become silent.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of silence and the wisdom behind it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (samtok) "صَمْتُكَ" in the Hadith refers to remaining silent or refraining from speech. This word emphasizes the act of withholding one's words. The word (nutqik) "نُطْقِكَ" refers to speaking or uttering words. It signifies the act of expressing oneself verbally. Lastly, the word (tustanṭaqa) "تُسْتَنْطَقَ" means to be requested or asked to speak, while (tuskata) "تُسْكَتَ" means to be requested or asked to become silent.

The Quran provides us with guidance on the virtue of silence and the importance of choosing our words wisely. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

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 speaking that which is best, highlighting the need for thoughtful and beneficial speech.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.

This verse teaches us the wisdom of remaining silent and exercising patience when faced with negative or harmful speech. It encourages us to respond with kindness and avoid engaging in unnecessary arguments or debates.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that remaining silent until we are requested to speak is better than speaking until we are requested to become silent. This wise utterance highlights the importance of choosing our words carefully and refraining from unnecessary speech. It encourages us to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others and to speak only when it is beneficial and necessary.

By remaining silent until we are requested to speak, we demonstrate humility, patience, and wisdom. We give ourselves time to reflect on the situation at hand and to consider the best course of action. This silence allows us to listen attentively to others, understand their perspectives, and respond thoughtfully. It also prevents us from engaging in idle gossip, spreading rumors, or saying things that may cause harm or discord.

Silence can also be a means of self-preservation. It protects us from saying things that we may later regret or that may damage our reputation. It allows us to maintain our dignity and integrity in difficult situations. Moreover, silence can be a form of worship, as it demonstrates our trust in Allah's guidance and our reliance on Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of silence and the importance of choosing our words wisely. It reminds us to remain silent until we are requested to speak, as this is better than speaking until we are requested to become silent. By following this advice, we can cultivate better relationships, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and maintain our own integrity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak that which is best and the strength to remain silent when necessary.