Hadith #8900

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

سُوءُ المَنْطِقِ يُزْري بِالقَدْرِ، ويُفْسِدُ الأُخُوَّةَ۔

This can be translated as,

Offensive speech degrades one's status and corrupts brotherhood.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (su') "سُوءُ" in the Hadith refers to offensive or harmful speech. It encompasses any form of communication that is hurtful, disrespectful, or divisive. This includes slander, backbiting, insults, and spreading falsehoods. Such speech not only tarnishes the reputation of the speaker but also has detrimental effects on the unity and harmony of the community.

The term (manṭiq) "مَنْطِقِ" refers to speech or expression. It emphasizes the importance of using our words wisely and responsibly. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the manner in which we communicate has a direct impact on our destiny, as indicated by the phrase (yuzri bil-qadr) "يُزْرِي بِالقَدْرِ". This implies that offensive speech can lead to negative consequences and diminish one's standing in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith also emphasizes the destructive nature of offensive speech on brotherhood and unity. It states, (yufsidu al-ukhwah) "ويُفْسِدُ الأُخُوَّةَ", meaning it corrupts the bond of brotherhood. Islam places great importance on fostering strong and harmonious relationships within the Muslim community. Offensive speech, however, erodes trust, creates animosity, and weakens the ties that bind us as believers.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

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 prohibition of insulting and ridiculing others, regardless of their background or gender. It reminds us that we should not belittle or demean one another, as it goes against the principles of faith and righteousness. Offending others through our speech not only harms them but also tarnishes our own character and undermines the unity of the Muslim ummah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood among believers. Offensive speech, however, disrupts this harmony and creates divisions within the community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their words and to use them in a manner that promotes unity, respect, and love. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of our speech and to strive for excellence in our communication.

By refraining from offensive speech, we not only protect our own status and reputation but also contribute to the preservation of brotherhood and the strengthening of the Muslim community. Let us remember the words of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who said,

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to use our words wisely and to be a source of unity and compassion for our fellow Muslims.