Hadith #9560

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قَوَّمَ لِسانَهُ زانَ عَقْلَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who sets his tongue aright adorns his intellect.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (qawwama) "قَوَّمَ" in this Hadith means to set something aright or to establish it in the proper manner. In the context of the Hadith, it refers to the act of controlling and disciplining one's tongue. The word (lisānah) "لِسانَهُ" means tongue, which is the organ of speech. And the word (zāna) "زانَ" means to adorn or beautify. Finally, the word (ʿaqlah) "عَقْلَهُ" refers to the intellect or the faculty of reasoning.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of controlling one's speech in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah says,

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 highlights the importance of speaking in the best possible manner, as it prevents discord and strife among people.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), Allah warns against the consequences of loose and uncontrolled speech, saying,

Indeed, those who ridicule the believers - those who are in the Gardens of Pleasure, they will abide therein eternally, as recompense for what they used to do.

This verse serves as a reminder that our words have consequences, and we will be held accountable for them.

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that setting the tongue aright adorns the intellect, he is highlighting the profound connection between our speech and our intellect. Our words are a reflection of our inner thoughts and beliefs. When we control our tongue and speak with wisdom, kindness, and truthfulness, we enhance our intellect and elevate our character.

By disciplining our speech, we cultivate virtues such as patience, humility, and empathy. We become more mindful of the impact our words have on others, and we strive to use our speech to spread goodness and promote harmony. This not only benefits our own intellect but also contributes to the well-being of society as a whole.

Conversely, when we allow our tongue to run loose and engage in gossip, slander, or hurtful speech, we tarnish our intellect and diminish our character. Our words can cause harm, sow discord, and damage relationships. They can also lead to regret, as we may say things in the heat of the moment that we later come to regret.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound connection between our speech and our intellect. By setting our tongue aright and speaking with wisdom and kindness, we enhance our intellect and adorn our character. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of controlling our speech and using it to spread goodness and promote harmony. Let us strive to be mindful of our words and use them as a means of uplifting ourselves and those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to adorn our intellect through the discipline of our speech.