Hadith #427

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,

There is no good in silence over matters involving wisdom just as there is no good in speaking with ignorance.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the importance of using wisdom and knowledge in our speech and actions.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (samti) "صَمْتِ" refers to silence or refraining from speaking. The word (hukm) "حُكْمِ" refers to matters involving wisdom or judgment. The word (qawl) "قَوْلِ" refers to speech or words. And the word (jahli) "جَهْلِ" refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse emphasizes the importance of enjoining what is good and turning away from ignorance. It encourages us to use our knowledge and wisdom to guide others towards righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who listen to the word and follow the best of it; those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the people of understanding.

This verse highlights the significance of listening to the word of Allah and following the best of it. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and using it to make wise decisions.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that remaining silent when wisdom calls for us to speak is not beneficial. There are times when it is necessary to voice our opinions, offer guidance, or stand up for justice. By remaining silent in such situations, we may be neglecting our duty to promote goodness and prevent wrongdoing.

On the other hand, speaking without knowledge or understanding, as mentioned in the Hadith, is also condemned. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and using it to make informed decisions. Speaking without knowledge can lead to misunderstandings, false information, and harmful consequences. It is crucial for Muslims to acquire knowledge and wisdom before engaging in discussions or offering advice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, sets an example for us to follow. He was a scholar, a philosopher, and a leader who always spoke with wisdom and understanding. His words were rooted in knowledge and guided by the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In our daily lives, we should strive to emulate Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) approach to speech and action. We should seek knowledge, reflect upon it, and use it to make wise decisions. We should not shy away from speaking up when wisdom calls for it, and we should avoid speaking without knowledge or understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of using wisdom and knowledge in our speech and actions. It teaches us that remaining silent when wisdom calls for us to speak is not beneficial, just as speaking without knowledge or understanding is condemned. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge, speak with wisdom, and act in accordance with His guidance.