Hadith #8897

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

The practice of the wicked is [using] vulgar speech.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (sunnah) "سُنَّةُ" in this Hadith refers to the practice or way of life. It signifies the habitual actions and behaviors that individuals adopt and follow. The term (al-li'aam) "اللِّئامِ" refers to the wicked or immoral individuals who engage in evil deeds. These individuals are characterized by their corrupt behavior and immoral conduct.

The phrase (qubhul kalam) "قُبْحُ الكَلامِ" translates to vulgar speech. It refers to the use of foul language, indecent words, and inappropriate expressions. Such speech is not only offensive and disrespectful but also reflects the moral decay and corruption of the individual.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining good speech and refraining from vulgarity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the believers, saying,

And who turn away from ill speech.

These verses highlight the importance of using good and kind words in our interactions with others. It is a reflection of our faith and a means to maintain harmony and unity within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith draws our attention to the behavior of the wicked, who resort to vulgar speech. This behavior not only tarnishes their own character but also has negative consequences on society as a whole. Vulgar speech creates an atmosphere of negativity, disrespect, and discord among individuals, leading to a breakdown in relationships and the erosion of moral values.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to distance themselves from such behavior and instead adopt the practice of using kind and respectful speech. By doing so, we uphold the teachings of Islam and contribute to the betterment of society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to purify our speech and choose our words carefully. We should avoid engaging in vulgar speech, gossip, backbiting, and any form of communication that may harm others or tarnish our own character. Instead, we should emulate the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were known for their eloquence, wisdom, and kindness in their speech.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of using good speech and refraining from vulgar language. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be mindful of their words and to strive for excellence in their communication. By practicing good speech, we not only uphold the teachings of Islam but also contribute to a more harmonious and respectful society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our speech and grant us the ability to follow the path of righteousness.