Hadith #8972

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,

Be pleased with what you say if it is free from mistakes.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of speaking with wisdom and caution, ensuring that our words are free from errors and falsehoods.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (if) "إذا" signifies a condition, indicating that the pleasure and contentment mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is contingent upon the absence of mistakes in our speech. The term (free) "عَرِيّاً" implies that our words should be devoid of any errors or inaccuracies. It highlights the need for clarity and correctness in our speech.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:33),

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of speaking about Allah without knowledge, as it is a grave sin. It highlights the importance of being cautious and mindful of our words, ensuring that we do not attribute false statements to Allah or speak without proper understanding. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns with this Quranic teaching, urging us to be pleased with our speech only when it is free from mistakes.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us of our responsibility to speak only about matters that we have knowledge of. It serves as a reminder that we will be held accountable for our words and intentions. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that our speech is based on accurate information and understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our words. When we speak without mistakes, we can experience a sense of satisfaction and contentment. Our words hold the power to inspire, educate, and bring about positive change. Conversely, speaking without caution can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and harm. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be mindful of our speech and to strive for clarity and accuracy.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before speaking. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He exemplified the qualities of a true scholar, always seeking the truth and speaking with precision. His words were a reflection of his deep understanding of Islam and his commitment to upholding its principles.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to be pleased with our speech only when it is free from mistakes. It reminds us of the importance of speaking with wisdom, caution, and accuracy. By aligning our words with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to be mindful of our speech and its impact on ourselves and others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and knowledge to speak with clarity and righteousness.