Hadith #7160

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of controlling one's speech and using it wisely. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the intelligent person is the one who restrains their tongue, refraining from speaking unless it is for the remembrance and praise of Allah.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith. The word (intelligent) "عاقل" refers to a person who possesses wisdom and understanding. It is someone who is able to think critically and make sound judgments. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that true intelligence lies in controlling one's speech.

The word (fetters) "عَقَلَ" means to restrain or control. Here, it refers to restraining the tongue, which is a powerful tool that can either bring great benefit or cause harm. By restraining the tongue, one can avoid engaging in idle talk, gossip, or hurtful speech. This is a sign of intelligence and self-discipline.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) specifically mentions that the tongue should only be used for the remembrance and extolment of Allah. This means that our speech should be focused on praising and glorifying Allah, reciting His names, and remembering His blessings. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also cultivate a positive and spiritually uplifting environment.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205):

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah internally, without necessarily expressing it through speech. It encourages us to engage in silent remembrance and reflection, which is in line with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Another verse that supports this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:41-42):

O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance. And exalt Him morning and afternoon.

These verses highlight the significance of remembering and praising Allah abundantly. By doing so, we not only strengthen our connection with Him but also develop a sense of gratitude and humility.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to use it in a way that pleases Allah. It encourages us to reflect on the power of our words and the impact they can have on ourselves and others. By restraining our tongues and focusing on the remembrance of Allah, we can cultivate a positive and spiritually enriching environment.

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the importance of self-control and discipline. It reminds us that true intelligence lies not only in acquiring knowledge but also in applying it in our daily lives. By controlling our speech, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, hurtful words, and sinful conversations. This leads to a more harmonious and peaceful society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of restraining our tongues and using our speech wisely. It highlights that true intelligence lies in controlling our words and focusing on the remembrance and praise of Allah. By doing so, we can cultivate a positive and spiritually uplifting environment, while also developing self-discipline and self-control. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.