Hadith #9073

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "قُرِنَ الإكْثَارُ بِالمَلَلِ۔" This can be translated as,

Loquaciousness has been paired up with boredom.

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

The word (ikthar) "إكْثَارُ" in this Hadith refers to excessive talking or verbosity. It implies an abundance of words without any substantial benefit. On the other hand, (malal) "المَلَلِ" means boredom, weariness, or tedium. It signifies a state of being tired or uninterested due to excessive and meaningless speech.

This Hadith highlights the negative consequences of excessive talking. It warns Muslims against indulging in idle chatter, which can lead to boredom and weariness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has also addressed this issue in the Quran, emphasizing the importance of moderation in speech.

In Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, Allah says,

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 that we will be held accountable for our words and actions. Therefore, it is essential to speak with knowledge and wisdom, avoiding excessive speech that lacks substance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 55, Allah says,

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse teaches us to refrain from engaging in futile arguments or engaging with those who speak without knowledge. Instead, we should focus on our own actions and seek peace.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to avoid excessive talking that lacks substance. Excessive speech not only wastes time and energy but also leads to boredom and weariness. It diverts our attention from more meaningful pursuits and can even harm our relationships with others.

Excessive talking can also lead to misunderstandings, as words spoken without thought or consideration may be misinterpreted or taken out of context. This can create conflicts and strain relationships within the community. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise restraint in our speech and prioritize quality over quantity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. He was known for his eloquence and concise speech. His words were carefully chosen and carried profound meanings. By reflecting on his teachings, we can learn to emulate his example and strive for meaningful communication.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of moderation in speech. Excessive talking without substance can lead to boredom and weariness. It is essential for Muslims to be mindful of their words, speaking with knowledge and wisdom. By following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive for meaningful communication and avoid the pitfalls of excessive speech. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak with purpose and benefit.