Hadith #9563

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,

مَنْ أطْلَقَ لِسانَهُ أبانَ عَنْ سُخْفِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who sets his tongue free demonstrates his own foolishness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (atlaqa) "أطْلَقَ" in this Hadith refers to setting the tongue free or letting it loose. It implies speaking without restraint, without considering the consequences of one's words. The word (aban) "أبانَ" means to reveal or expose, while (sukhfihi) "سُخْفِهِ" refers to one's foolishness or ignorance. Thus, the Hadith warns against the dangers of speaking recklessly, as it only reveals one's own foolishness.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of guarding one's tongue and speaking wisely. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

Indeed, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His way, and He is the best aware of those who are guided.

This verse reminds us that Allah is fully aware of our actions and intentions, including our words. Therefore, we should be cautious in our speech, avoiding any words that may lead us astray or expose our ignorance.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us the significance of speaking with wisdom and kindness. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking good words, which encompasses not only speaking the truth but also speaking kindly and with respect towards others.

When we set our tongues free without considering the consequences, we risk causing harm to ourselves and others. Our words have the power to build or destroy, to unite or divide. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us against the foolishness of unrestrained speech. By speaking without thinking, we expose our own ignorance and lack of understanding.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see its relevance in our daily lives. How often do we find ourselves speaking without considering the impact of our words? How often do we regret the things we say in moments of anger or frustration? The Hadith serves as a reminder to pause and reflect before speaking, to choose our words wisely, and to strive for the highest level of wisdom in our communication.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of guarding our tongues and speaking with wisdom. It warns against the foolishness of unrestrained speech, which only exposes our own ignorance. By aligning our speech with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to become better Muslims, fostering unity, understanding, and kindness in our interactions with others. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak with care and the strength to control our tongues.