Hadith #8909

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

رُبَّ قَوْل أشَدُّ مِنْ صَوْل۔

This can be translated as,

Many an utterance is more severe than an assault.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (qawl) "قَوْل" in this Hadith refers to speech or words. It encompasses all forms of communication, whether spoken or written. The word (ashaddu) "أشَدُّ" means more severe or stronger, indicating the intensity or impact of the words being spoken. And the word (sawl) "صَوْل" refers to a physical assault or attack.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the power and consequences of our words. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 263, Allah says,

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.

This verse highlights the superiority of kind and forgiving words over material acts of charity that may be accompanied by hurtful speech.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 53, Allah says,

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 emphasizes the importance of speaking in the best manner, as it prevents discord and conflict. It reminds us that our words have the power to either unite or divide people.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith draws our attention to the fact that sometimes, the harm caused by our words can be more severe than physical assault. This is because words have the ability to leave lasting emotional scars, damage relationships, and even incite violence. Physical wounds may heal with time, but the wounds caused by hurtful words can linger for a lifetime.

For example, a person who endures verbal abuse may suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Their mental and emotional well-being can be deeply affected, impacting their relationships, work, and overall quality of life. On the other hand, physical wounds, although painful, can often be treated and healed with medical intervention.

The consequences of our words are not limited to the individual level. They can also have far-reaching societal implications. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, Allah says,

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 highlights the importance of avoiding mockery, insults, and offensive nicknames, as they create divisions and foster animosity within society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their words and to use them wisely. It urges us to reflect on the potential consequences of our speech and to strive for kindness, empathy, and understanding in our interactions with others. It teaches us that our words have the power to either uplift and inspire or to harm and destroy.

As Muslims, we should take this Hadith to heart and make a conscious effort to align our speech with the teachings of the Quran. We should strive to speak with wisdom, compassion, and respect, recognizing that our words have the ability to shape our relationships, our communities, and the world at large. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in using our words for the betterment of ourselves and humanity as a whole.