Hadith #8975

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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best speech is that which is pertinent.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of speaking with relevance and appropriateness. To fully understand the depth of this hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word "ahsan" in Arabic means "the best" or "the most excellent." It signifies the highest level of quality and superiority. "Qawl" refers to speech or words. And "saddad" means "pertinent" or "relevant." It implies that the best speech is one that is appropriate, fitting, and directly addresses the matter at hand.

To support this exegesis, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of speaking with wisdom, relevance, and clarity. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:198), Allah says,

And speak to people good [words].

This verse encourages Muslims to choose their words carefully, ensuring that they are beneficial and positive.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ),

And tell My servants to say that which is best.

This verse highlights the significance of speaking in the best possible manner, using words that are kind, truthful, and relevant.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a practical guideline for Muslims in their daily interactions. It teaches us to consider the context and purpose of our speech before uttering any words. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary arguments, misunderstandings, and conflicts.

For example, imagine a situation where someone seeks advice from you regarding a personal matter. Instead of offering irrelevant or generic advice, the best speech would be to provide guidance that directly addresses their specific situation. This would demonstrate empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to help.

Moreover, the hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize the quality of their speech over its quantity. It reminds us that speaking concisely and to the point is more effective and impactful than rambling or using excessive words. By choosing our words wisely, we can convey our thoughts and ideas clearly, leaving no room for confusion or misinterpretation.

In addition, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of knowledge and understanding in our speech. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his vast knowledge and wisdom, and his words were always relevant and insightful. Therefore, as Muslims, we should strive to acquire knowledge and deepen our understanding of various subjects, so that our speech can be informed and pertinent.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of speaking with relevance and appropriateness. It encourages us to choose our words carefully, considering the context and purpose of our speech. By doing so, we can effectively communicate, build stronger relationships, and contribute positively to our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak with excellence and relevance in all aspects of our lives.