Hadith #8924

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the dangers of excessive speech. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when one speaks excessively, the marginal issues or trivial matters are given more attention, while the true meanings and essence of the speech are diminished. This excessive speech has no end and does not benefit anyone.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some important words. "Kathratu al-kalam" refers to the abundance or excessiveness of speech. "Yabsutu hawashiha" means that the marginal issues or trivial matters are expanded or stretched out. "Tanqusu ma'aniha" signifies that the meanings or essence of the speech are reduced or diminished.

La yura lahu amadun

implies that there is no end or limit to this excessive speech.

La yantafi'u bihi ahadun

means that nobody benefits from it.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation in speech and the avoidance of excessive talk. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

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 to be cautious about speaking on matters that we do not have sufficient knowledge about. Excessive speech can lead to spreading misinformation and falsehood, causing harm to oneself and others.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-11),

So be patient with gracious patience. Indeed, they see it [as] distant.

These verses highlight the importance of patience and restraint in speech. Excessive speech often leads to impatience and hastiness, preventing us from reflecting on the consequences of our words.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to prioritize quality over quantity. Excessive speech can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and wasted time. It distracts us from focusing on meaningful conversations and hampers our ability to convey our thoughts effectively.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. He understood the power of words and the importance of using them wisely. His own example serves as a testament to the significance of measured speech. He was known for his concise and profound statements, which continue to inspire and guide Muslims to this day.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the dangers of excessive speech. It reminds us to be mindful of our words, to prioritize quality over quantity, and to reflect on the consequences of our speech. By following the teachings of the Quran and the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to be better communicators and contribute positively to our communities. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in using our speech wisely and grant us the ability to benefit others through our words.