Hadith #1616

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

رُبَّما اُرْتِجَ عَلَى الفَصيحِ الجَوابُ۔

This thought-provoking saying translates to

Sometimes even the eloquent one is left speechless.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (rubama) "رُبَّمَا" signifies uncertainty or possibility. It implies that there are instances where even the most articulate individuals may find themselves at a loss for words. The term (urtija) "اُرْتِجَ" conveys the idea of being struck with astonishment or being rendered speechless due to a sudden overwhelming situation. Finally, (al-fasih) "الفَصِيحُ" refers to someone who possesses eloquence and fluency in speech.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Prophet Moses (Musa) and his encounter with Pharaoh. When Moses was commanded by Allah to confront Pharaoh and deliver His message, Moses, known for his eloquence, initially felt unease and requested assistance from his brother Aaron (Harun) (Quran 28:34). This demonstrates that even a prophet chosen by Allah can experience a moment of speechlessness when faced with a daunting task.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam, Allah recounts the story of the people of the garden who were blessed with abundant fruits. When they saw their garden destroyed as a test from Allah, they were left speechless and unable to comprehend the situation (Quran 68:26). This incident highlights how even those who possess material wealth and prosperity can be rendered speechless when faced with unexpected adversity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that eloquence and fluency in speech do not guarantee the ability to express oneself in every situation. It emphasizes the limitations of human language and the humbling reality that there are moments when words fail to capture the depth of our emotions or the magnitude of certain experiences.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing our own limitations. It reminds us that no matter how articulate we may be, there will be instances where we are unable to find the right words to convey our thoughts or feelings. In such moments, it is crucial to turn to Allah and seek His guidance and support.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to develop a deeper understanding of the power of silence. Sometimes, remaining silent can be more impactful than speaking. It allows us to reflect, listen, and understand the situation better. It also prevents us from saying something inappropriate or hurtful in moments of anger or confusion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Sometimes even the eloquent one is left speechless,

reminds us of the limitations of human language and the importance of humility. It encourages us to seek Allah's guidance in moments of speechlessness and to recognize the power of silence. May Allah grant us the wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, and may He bless us with eloquence in expressing our thoughts and emotions when it is necessary.