Hadith #9152

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Nobleness is control over one’s tongue and doing good to others.

This profound statement highlights the significance of two essential qualities: controlling one's speech and performing acts of kindness towards others.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word "karām" refers to nobleness or generosity, which encompasses the virtues of kindness, benevolence, and magnanimity. "Mulk" means control or mastery, indicating the ability to govern or manage something. "Lisān" refers to the tongue, which symbolizes speech and communication. "Bazl" means doing good or showing kindness, encompassing acts of charity, compassion, and benevolence. "Ihsān" signifies excellence in actions and intentions, going beyond mere obligation to perform acts of goodness.

To understand the significance of controlling one's tongue, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10):

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. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in worship. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) acknowledges that not everyone can engage in prolonged acts of worship, and He encourages us to do what is within our capacity. Similarly, controlling our tongues requires moderation and balance. It means refraining from harmful speech such as lying, backbiting, gossiping, and spreading rumors. It also entails speaking with wisdom, kindness, and respect, using our words to uplift and benefit others.

Furthermore, the Quran highlights the significance of doing good to others. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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 emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. It instructs us to do good to our parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It also emphasizes the importance of speaking good words to people, which includes showing respect, offering encouragement, and spreading positivity. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also contribute to a harmonious and compassionate society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody these qualities in their daily lives. By controlling our tongues, we can avoid causing harm and strive to use our words for the betterment of others. Similarly, by performing acts of kindness, we can contribute to a more compassionate and loving society.

The consequences of practicing these virtues are far-reaching. When we control our tongues and speak with kindness, we foster healthy relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and create an atmosphere of trust and understanding. When we do good to others, we uplift their spirits, alleviate their hardships, and inspire them to do the same for others. These actions not only benefit individuals but also have a positive impact on families, communities, and society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline and the power of our words and actions. It encourages us to introspect and evaluate our behavior, striving to improve ourselves and become better Muslims. By embodying the qualities of controlling our tongues and doing good to others, we can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate world, fulfilling our duty as Muslims to spread goodness and kindness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our tongues, speak with wisdom and kindness, and perform acts of goodness towards others. May He bless us with the strength to embody the noble qualities exemplified by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Ahl al-Bayt. Ameen.