Hadith #8921

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

How many a word has taken away a blessing.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its implications in the light of the Quran.

The word (kalimah) "كَلِمَة" refers to a word or a statement. It signifies the power and impact that words hold in our lives. Our words have the potential to bring about blessings or to take them away. They possess the ability to shape our relationships, influence our actions, and impact our overall well-being.

The term (salabat) "سَلَبَتْ" means to snatch away or deprive. It highlights the negative consequences that certain words can have on our lives. Just as a thief snatches away our possessions, harmful words can snatch away the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us.

Imam Ali's thought-provoking saying reminds us of the importance of guarding our tongues and being mindful of the words we utter. Our words have the power to either enhance or diminish the blessings in our lives. Let us now turn to the Quran to find support for this profound wisdom.

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, as it is a means to ward off the influence of Satan and maintain harmony among people. By choosing our words carefully, we can preserve the blessings in our relationships and protect ourselves from the harm caused by discord and conflict.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:263), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.

This verse highlights the superiority of kind and forgiving speech over acts of charity that are accompanied by hurtful words. It reminds us that our words have the power to either enhance the blessings of our charitable acts or diminish them. By speaking kindly and forgivingly, we can ensure that our acts of charity are accompanied by the full blessings they deserve.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a profound reminder for us as Muslims. It compels us to reflect on the impact of our words and the responsibility we have in using them wisely. Our words have the potential to either bring blessings into our lives or take them away. They can either strengthen our relationships or weaken them. They can either inspire and motivate others or discourage and hurt them.

Let us strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by choosing our words carefully. Let us speak with kindness, compassion, and wisdom, seeking to bring blessings into our lives and the lives of those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to use our words in a way that brings about blessings and increases our reward in this world and the Hereafter.