Hadith #1614

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who undertakes the rending and mending of speech has attained eloquence.

This Hadith highlights the importance of mastering the art of effective communication and eloquence. To better understand this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (fataq) "فَتْقِ" in Arabic refers to the act of rending or splitting something apart. In the context of speech, it signifies the ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, breaking through any barriers that may hinder effective communication. On the other hand, (ratq) "رَتْقِهِ" means mending or repairing, indicating the skill of connecting ideas and thoughts seamlessly, ensuring coherence in one's speech.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qamar (54:17),

And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

This verse emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding in the Quran, which serves as a model for eloquence in speech. Just as the Quran is easily comprehensible, a person who possesses the ability to rend and mend their speech can effectively convey their message to others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the Children of Israel, saying,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking good words, which encompasses both the clarity and coherence of speech. By adhering to this command, one can attain eloquence in their communication.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in their speech. By mastering the art of rending and mending speech, individuals can effectively convey their thoughts and ideas, ensuring clarity and coherence in their communication. This skill is not limited to public speaking or formal discourse but extends to all aspects of life, including personal interactions, debates, and even written communication.

When one possesses eloquence in speech, they can express themselves in a manner that is both persuasive and impactful. They can effectively convey their message, influence others positively, and resolve conflicts amicably. Moreover, eloquence in speech enables individuals to articulate their thoughts and beliefs in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it reflects the beauty and wisdom of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of mastering the art of effective communication and eloquence. By undertaking the rending and mending of speech, Muslims can attain the ability to express themselves clearly and coherently, following the example set by the Quran. This skill enables individuals to convey their message effectively, influence others positively, and uphold the values of Islam in their interactions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to attain eloquence in our speech and use it for the betterment of ourselves and the Muslim ummah.