Hadith #4664

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to refrain from using harsh words or foul language, even when faced with a difficult situation where a response may be warranted. The Arabic phrase

لا تُسىِ اللَّفْظَ وإنْ ضاقَ عَلَيْكَ الجَوابُ

translates to

Do not use harsh words [or foul language] even if you are unable to reply.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (lafth) "لَفْظَ" refers to words or speech, while (tusaa) "تُسَىِ" means to use or employ. The term (daqa) "ضَاقَ" signifies a state of constriction or difficulty, and (jawab) "جَوَابُ" refers to a response or reply.

This profound advice from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good speech, kindness, and patience in various verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah says,

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 choosing the best words and maintaining good speech, even in the face of provocation. It reminds Muslims to be mindful of the influence of Satan, who seeks to sow discord and division through harsh and hurtful language. By adhering to the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and speaking with kindness, Muslims can counteract the negative influence of Satan and promote unity and harmony within the community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to respond to the ignorant in a gentle manner, saying,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse exemplifies the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and serves as a guiding principle for all Muslims. It teaches us to respond to harsh words with words of peace and tranquility. By doing so, we emulate the conduct of the Prophet (ﷺ) and embody the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in the Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It reminds Muslims to exercise restraint and control over their speech, even in challenging situations. Instead of resorting to harsh or foul language, Muslims are encouraged to maintain their composure and respond with wisdom, patience, and kindness.

By following this guidance, Muslims can avoid escalating conflicts and contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society. It is important to remember that our words have a profound impact on others and can either build bridges or create divisions. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us as Muslims to choose our words carefully and strive for excellence in our speech.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to refrain from using harsh words or foul language, even when faced with challenging situations. This advice is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of good speech, kindness, and patience. By embodying these qualities in our interactions, we can foster unity, promote peace, and uphold the noble teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement this advice in our lives.