Hadith #5845

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, "لاعِبادَةَ كَالصَّمْتِ۔" which translates to

There is no worship like silence.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of silence in our worship and spiritual journey.

The word (silence) "صَّمْتِ" in this Hadith refers to refraining from speech and maintaining a state of inner tranquility. It implies a deep level of introspection and self-control, where one abstains from unnecessary talk and focuses on the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of stillness and quietude that allows us to connect with our Creator on a profound level.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of silence and reflection in our worship. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

This verse encourages us to remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) silently, within ourselves, without the need for outward display. It highlights the significance of inner devotion and the power of silent supplication. By engaging in silent remembrance, we cultivate a deeper connection with our Lord and develop a heightened sense of humility and fear of Him.

Another verse that supports the concept of silent worship is found in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:8-9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ),

And remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with complete devotion. He is the Lord of the East and the West; there is no deity except Him, so take Him as Disposer of [your] affairs.

These verses emphasize the importance of wholehearted devotion and remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By dedicating ourselves to Him in silence, we acknowledge His sovereignty and recognize that He is the ultimate authority over all matters. This silent devotion allows us to surrender ourselves completely to His will and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

There is no worship like silence,

reminds us that true worship goes beyond mere physical acts of prayer and fasting. It encompasses the inner state of the heart and mind, where we strive to attain a state of tranquility and submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By practicing silence in our worship, we create a space for reflection, self-correction, and spiritual growth.

Silence allows us to detach from the distractions of the world and focus solely on our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It enables us to listen attentively to the whispers of our conscience and the guidance of our Creator. Through silence, we can better understand our own shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and strive for self-improvement.

Moreover, silence in worship helps us to avoid idle talk and unnecessary speech that may lead to sins or distract us from our spiritual goals. It teaches us the value of choosing our words wisely and using them for beneficial purposes. By practicing silence, we develop a sense of mindfulness and discipline in our speech, which aligns with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

There is no worship like silence,

reminds us of the profound significance of silence in our worship and spiritual journey. It urges us to cultivate a state of inner tranquility, introspection, and self-control, allowing us to connect with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) on a deeper level. By practicing silence, we enhance our devotion, seek forgiveness, and strive for self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to incorporate silence into our worship and benefit from its immense spiritual rewards.