Hadith #8989

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ أكْثَرَ مُلَّ۔" which translates to

One who increases [his talk] makes others weary.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their daily interactions and communication.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us explore the key words used. The word (akthara) "أكْثَرَ" means to increase or multiply, while (mull) "مُلَّ۔" refers to talk or speech. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the negative consequences of excessive and unnecessary speech, which can lead to weariness or exhaustion for both the speaker and the listener.

This Hadith finds support in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us to speak with wisdom and moderation. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 53, Allah says,

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 reminds us to choose our words carefully and to speak in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, Allah says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding excessive talk that may lead to ridicule, insults, or offensive language.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to avoid unnecessary chatter. Excessive talking can lead to fatigue and weariness, not only for the listener but also for the speaker. It can also lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and the spread of false information.

By practicing moderation in our speech, we can cultivate a peaceful and harmonious environment. This involves speaking when necessary, choosing our words wisely, and being mindful of the impact our words may have on others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding, exemplified this quality throughout his life.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can ask ourselves: How often do we engage in idle talk or engage in conversations that serve no purpose? Are we mindful of the impact our words may have on others? Are we speaking with wisdom and moderation, or are we overwhelming others with excessive speech?

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak with moderation and to use our words in a manner that brings benefit and harmony to our lives and the lives of others. May we strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek knowledge and understanding in all aspects of our lives.