Hadith #8895

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,

Verily polite speech and the propagation of peace are forms of worship.

This impactful saying highlights the significance of two important aspects of our daily lives: the way we communicate with others and our efforts to spread peace.

Let us first delve into the key words of this Hadith. The term "polite speech" is translated from the Arabic word "len al-kalam." "Len" refers to softness, gentleness, and kindness in speech, while "kalam" means speech or words. Therefore, "len al-kalam" emphasizes the importance of using gentle and kind words when interacting with others.

The second part of the Hadith mentions

the propagation of peace,

which is translated from the Arabic phrase "ifsha' al-salam." "Ifsha'" means to spread or disseminate, and "salam" refers to peace. Thus, "ifsha' al-salam" signifies the act of actively promoting peace and harmony among individuals and communities.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good speech and spreading peace. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah says,

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 obligation to speak good words to people, which includes being polite, respectful, and kind. It reminds us that our speech should reflect the teachings of Islam and contribute to the betterment of society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am, verse 54, Allah says,

And when those come to you who believe in Our verses, say, 'Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed upon Himself mercy: that any of you who does wrong out of ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself - indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of spreading peace by greeting others with the words

Peace be upon you.

It encourages Muslims to initiate interactions with a message of peace and to foster an environment of harmony and tranquility.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by emphasizing that polite speech and the propagation of peace are not merely social etiquettes but acts of worship. It highlights the spiritual significance of our interactions with others and the impact they have on our relationship with Allah.

When we engage in polite speech, we demonstrate our commitment to following the teachings of Islam, which emphasize kindness, compassion, and empathy. By using gentle and kind words, we uplift others, create a positive atmosphere, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

Similarly, when we actively propagate peace, we contribute to the establishment of a harmonious society. Our efforts to resolve conflicts, promote understanding, and foster unity align with the principles of Islam. By spreading peace, we fulfill our duty as Muslims to be ambassadors of goodwill and contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Moreover, the Hadith reminds us that acts of worship are not limited to rituals such as prayer and fasting. Instead, every aspect of our lives can be transformed into acts of worship if we approach them with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure. Polite speech and the propagation of peace are examples of how we can elevate our daily interactions and make them a means of drawing closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of polite speech and the propagation of peace as forms of worship. It reminds us that our words and actions have a profound impact on ourselves and those around us. By using gentle and kind words, and actively promoting peace, we embody the teachings of Islam and contribute to the establishment of a harmonious society. May Allah guide us to practice these virtues and grant us the ability to worship Him through our interactions with others.