Hadith #7651

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most truthful of utterances is that which is spoken with the tongue of action.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of aligning our words with our actions, as true sincerity is demonstrated through practical implementation.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith. The term (asdaq) "أصْدَقُ" means "the most truthful" or "the most sincere." It signifies the highest level of honesty and authenticity. (al-maqal) "المَقالِ" refers to "utterances" or "speech." It encompasses both verbal expressions and the thoughts we convey through our words. (ma nataqa bihi lisan al-hal)

ما نَطَقَ بِهِ لِسانُ الحالِ

translates to

that which is spoken with the tongue of action.

It emphasizes the idea that actions speak louder than words and that our deeds are the true reflection of our intentions and beliefs.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the concept of the tongue of action. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:92),

By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, Allah knows it well.

This verse highlights the importance of giving in charity, as it is a practical manifestation of our love for Allah and our fellow human beings. It demonstrates that true righteousness is not merely confined to words, but it requires tangible acts of kindness and generosity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from mockery or derogatory remarks. It reminds us that our actions towards others should reflect the values and teachings of Islam, rather than mere lip service.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to align our words with our actions, emphasizing the significance of sincerity and integrity in our daily lives. It serves as a reminder that our deeds are a reflection of our true character and faith. When we speak with the tongue of action, our words become meaningful and impactful, carrying the weight of our convictions and beliefs.

For example, if we claim to be compassionate and caring, our actions should reflect these qualities. We should actively engage in acts of kindness, such as helping the needy, visiting the sick, and supporting charitable causes. By doing so, we demonstrate the sincerity of our words and fulfill the true essence of compassion.

Conversely, if we claim to be honest and truthful, our actions should align with these virtues. We should refrain from lying, cheating, and deceiving others. Our integrity should be evident in our dealings with others, both in business transactions and personal relationships. By embodying honesty in our actions, we validate the truthfulness of our words.

The consequences of speaking with the tongue of action are far-reaching. It not only strengthens our own character and faith but also influences those around us. When Muslims observe others practicing what they preach, it inspires them to do the same. It fosters a sense of trust and credibility within the community, leading to a more harmonious and righteous society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of aligning our words with our actions. It emphasizes that true sincerity and authenticity are demonstrated through practical implementation. By speaking with the tongue of action, our words become meaningful and impactful, reflecting our true character and faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to live by this profound teaching and may our actions always be a testament to our beliefs.