Hadith #9559

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ سَجَنَ لِسانَهُ أمِنَ مِنْ نَدَمِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who imprisons his tongue remains safe from regret.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of controlling our speech and the consequences that can arise if we fail to do so.

The word (sajana) "سَجَنَ" in this Hadith means to imprison or restrain. It signifies the act of controlling or holding back one's tongue from speaking unnecessarily or engaging in harmful speech. By restraining our tongues, we can avoid the regret and remorse that often follows when we speak without thinking or utter words that may cause harm to ourselves or others.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and speaking with wisdom and kindness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

Indeed, your Lord is in observation.

This verse reminds us that Allah is aware of everything we say and do. Therefore, it is essential for us to be mindful of our speech and ensure that our words are in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

And say to My servants that they should speak in a way that is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages us to choose our words carefully and speak in the best manner possible. It warns us against falling into the trap of Satan, who seeks to create discord and division through our speech.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that our tongues have the power to either bring us peace and contentment or lead us to regret and remorse. When we restrain our tongues and speak with wisdom, we protect ourselves from the negative consequences that can arise from careless speech. By choosing our words carefully, we can avoid hurting others, spreading rumors, or engaging in backbiting, all of which are prohibited in Islam.

Imprisoning our tongues also allows us to maintain our integrity and uphold the values of Islam. It helps us to avoid engaging in false speech, lying, or engaging in idle talk that serves no purpose. Instead, we are encouraged to use our tongues to speak the truth, offer words of encouragement, and engage in meaningful conversations that benefit ourselves and others.

Moreover, when we restrain our tongues, we cultivate a sense of mindfulness and self-discipline. We become more aware of the impact our words can have on others and are motivated to choose our speech wisely. This practice not only strengthens our relationships but also enhances our own character and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of controlling our tongues and speaking with wisdom and kindness. By restraining our tongues and avoiding harmful speech, we protect ourselves from regret and remorse. This teaching is in line with the Quranic emphasis on speaking in the best manner and avoiding the traps of Satan. Let us strive to imprison our tongues and use our words to spread love, peace, and righteousness among ourselves as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our speech and protect us from the regret that may arise from careless words.