Hadith #9557

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ حَفِظَ لِسانَهُ أكْرَمَ نَفْسَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of guarding one's tongue, as it leads to the honor and dignity of the individual.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words. The word (hafidh) "حَفِظَ" means to protect, preserve, or guard. It implies being cautious and mindful of one's speech. The word (lisānuhu) "لِسانَهُ" refers to the tongue, which is the instrument of speech. And finally, the word (akrama) "أكْرَمَ" means to honor, dignify, or elevate.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

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 highlights the importance of speaking with kindness and choosing words that are beneficial and righteous. By guarding our tongues and speaking in a manner that is pleasing to Allah, we honor ourselves and elevate our status in the eyes of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two-thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of reciting the Quran and establishing prayer, but it also reminds us that Allah is aware of our limitations and circumstances. Similarly, when it comes to guarding our tongues, we must be mindful of our own limitations and the situations we find ourselves in. Sometimes, it may be difficult to control our speech, but Allah appreciates our efforts to speak with kindness and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that protecting our tongues is not only a means of honoring ourselves but also a way to avoid causing harm to others. Our words have the power to uplift and inspire, but they can also hurt and damage relationships. By guarding our tongues, we can prevent ourselves from engaging in gossip, spreading rumors, or speaking ill of others.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. He was known for his eloquence and ability to speak with clarity and precision. By emphasizing the importance of protecting the tongue, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the responsibility that comes with knowledge. It is not enough to possess knowledge; we must also use it wisely and responsibly.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of guarding our tongues. By being mindful of our speech and choosing our words carefully, we honor ourselves and elevate our status in the eyes of Allah. Let us strive to follow the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, and may Allah grant us the ability to protect our tongues and speak with kindness and righteousness.