Hadith #5840

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

Man lāzima al-ṣamt amina al-maqta.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining silence, as it leads to safety from aversion and hatred from others. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "lāzima" in Arabic means to adhere to or maintain. It implies a continuous and steadfast commitment to silence. The word "ṣamt" refers to silence, which here signifies refraining from unnecessary speech or idle talk. The phrase "amina al-maqta" translates to being safe from aversion or hatred.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that highlight the significance of silence and its positive effects. 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 encourages us to avoid engaging in futile arguments or debates with those who lack knowledge. By maintaining silence in such situations, we protect ourselves from unnecessary conflicts and animosity.

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

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 teaches us the importance of speaking with wisdom and choosing our words carefully. By practicing silence, we avoid falling into the trap of Satan, who seeks to create discord and enmity among people.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that silence is not merely the absence of speech but a deliberate choice to refrain from unnecessary words. It is a means of self-control and discipline. When we remain silent, we give ourselves the opportunity to reflect, ponder, and weigh our words before speaking. This leads to better communication and prevents us from saying things that may offend or hurt others.

Silence also allows us to listen attentively to others, fostering understanding and empathy. It enables us to truly hear what others are saying, without interrupting or imposing our opinions. By doing so, we build stronger relationships and promote harmony within our communities.

Moreover, maintaining silence can protect us from the negative consequences of engaging in gossip, backbiting, or spreading rumors. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is accepting of repentance and Merciful.

By refraining from idle talk and negative assumptions, we protect ourselves from the sins associated with backbiting and slander.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining silence as a means of safeguarding ourselves from aversion and hatred. By practicing silence, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, choose our words wisely, and foster better communication and understanding. Let us strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek the tranquility and safety that comes from embracing silence in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement this valuable lesson in our daily interactions.