Hadith #5828

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Silence that results in your safety is better than speech that results in your reproach.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of silence and the potential consequences of our words. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (samtu) "صَمْتٌ" in Arabic refers to silence or refraining from speaking. It implies the act of withholding one's words and refraining from engaging in unnecessary speech. The word (yu'qibuka) "يُعْقِبُكَ" means "results in" or "follows." It indicates the outcome or consequence of an action. The word (salamah) "سَّلامَةَ" means safety, security, or well-being. It signifies a state of being free from harm or danger. On the other hand, the word (nutq) "نُطْق" refers to speech or utterance. It represents the act of expressing oneself through words. Finally, the word (malamah) "مَلامَةَ" means reproach or blame. It signifies criticism or censure directed towards someone.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states 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 emphasizes the importance of speaking that which is good and beneficial. It encourages us to choose our words wisely and to avoid engaging in harmful or divisive speech. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the influence of Satan and maintain harmony among believers.

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

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 prioritizing our actions and choosing what is feasible for us. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our limitations and accepts our efforts within our capabilities. Similarly, in the context of the Hadith, remaining silent when it is beneficial for our safety is a wise choice, just as reciting what is easy from the Quran is encouraged.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the virtue of silence when it leads to our well-being and protection. It highlights the potential consequences of our words and the harm that can result from reckless speech. By choosing silence in situations where our words may lead to reproach or blame, we safeguard our reputation and maintain harmony in our relationships. This Hadith encourages us to reflect on the power of our words and to exercise restraint when necessary.

For example, imagine a situation where a person is engaged in a heated argument. Instead of responding with harsh words or escalating the conflict, choosing silence can diffuse the tension and prevent further harm. By remaining silent, one can avoid saying something hurtful or regrettable, thus preserving their own safety and well-being. This act of self-restraint aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding unnecessary disputes.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the virtue of silence when it leads to our safety and well-being. It urges us to reflect on the potential consequences of our words and to exercise restraint when necessary. By choosing silence over speech that may result in reproach, we protect ourselves from harm and maintain harmony in our relationships. Let us strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), embodying the qualities of wisdom and self-control in our interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to speak that which is good and beneficial, and to remain silent when it is in our best interest.