Hadith #1512

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous servants of Allah.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The righteous tongue rejects the foolishness of the ignorant.

Let us delve into the meaning of this thought-provoking saying and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (lisan) "لِسانُ" translates to "tongue" in English. It symbolizes speech, communication, and expression. The term (al-barr) "البَرِّيَأ" refers to righteousness, goodness, and virtue. It signifies the quality of being upright and morally sound. The word (abba) "أَبى" means to reject or repel. Lastly, (safaha) "سَفَهَ" denotes foolishness or ignorance, while (al-jahil) "الجُهّالِ" refers to the ignorant or those lacking knowledge.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of righteous speech in several verses. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages believers to reject the foolishness and ignorance of others, just as the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) suggests.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah advises the believers,

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.

This verse highlights the importance of refraining from mocking or belittling others, especially based on their level of knowledge or understanding. It reminds us to use our tongues wisely and avoid engaging in foolish behavior.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of righteousness and wisdom in their speech. It encourages us to reject the foolishness and ignorance of others, not by engaging in arguments or belittling them, but by embodying the qualities of righteousness and knowledge. By doing so, we can lead by example and inspire others to seek knowledge and understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He was a beacon of guidance for the Muslim community, and his teachings continue to inspire and enlighten us today. His statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the importance of using our tongues responsibly and rejecting ignorance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of righteous speech and the rejection of ignorance. It urges us to embody the qualities of righteousness and wisdom, and to use our tongues to spread knowledge, understanding, and goodness. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in following the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to reject the foolishness of the ignorant.