Hadith #9540

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,

زَلَّةُ اللِّسانِ أشَدُّ هَلاك۔

which translates to

The slip of the tongue causes the greatest destruction.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense power and consequences of our words. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (zallat) "زَلَّةُ" refers to a slip or error, while (al-lisan) "اللِّسانِ" means the tongue. The word (ashaddu) "أشَدُّ" denotes the superlative form of intensity, meaning the greatest or most severe. And (halak) "هَلاك" signifies destruction or ruin.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and being mindful of our words. Allah says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

Indeed, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His way, and He is the best aware of those who are guided.

This verse reminds us that Allah is fully aware of our actions, including the words we utter. Our slips of the tongue can lead us astray from the path of righteousness and cause harm to ourselves and others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah warns,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking only with knowledge and avoiding spreading rumors or falsehoods. Our tongues have the power to spread misinformation and cause harm, so it is crucial to be cautious and responsible with our words.

The slip of the tongue can have far-reaching consequences. It can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, damaged relationships, and even conflicts. A single word spoken in haste or without thought can cause irreparable damage. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to strive for truth, kindness, and wisdom in their words.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the severity of the slip of the tongue in this Hadith. His words serve as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and deliberate in their speech, to think before they speak, and to use their words to bring about positive change and harmony.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate good speech habits and avoid engaging in gossip, backbiting, or spreading falsehoods. We should seek knowledge and wisdom to ensure that our words are beneficial and uplifting. By doing so, we can protect ourselves and others from the destructive consequences of the slip of the tongue.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our tongues and use our words for good. May He guide us to speak with wisdom, kindness, and truthfulness, and protect us from the harm caused by our slips of the tongue. Ameen.