Hadith #9077

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Man kathura kalāmuhu kathura malāmuhu,

which translates to

One who speaks too much gets rebuked more.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of excessive speech and the importance of controlling our tongues.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word "kathura" means "to increase" or "to multiply," while "kalāmuhu" refers to "his speech" or "his words." The word "kathura" is derived from the root word "kathīr," which signifies abundance or excessiveness. On the other hand, "malāmuhu" means "his reprimand" or "his criticism." It implies that the more one indulges in excessive speech, the more they invite criticism and rebuke upon themselves.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and speaking only what is good and beneficial. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

Excessive speech often leads to spreading false information, gossip, and backbiting, which are all condemned in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

Excessive speech can also lead to arguments, misunderstandings, and hurtful words that damage relationships. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83),

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to exercise restraint in their words. It encourages us to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to our conversations. By speaking less and choosing our words wisely, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, maintain harmonious relationships, and earn the respect of others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his profound wisdom and eloquence. His knowledge and understanding of the Quran enabled him to speak concisely yet effectively. He was a man of few words, but each word carried immense weight and wisdom. Following his example, Muslims should strive to emulate his qualities and be mindful of the impact of their speech on themselves and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences of excessive speech and the importance of controlling our tongues. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of speaking only what is good and beneficial. By speaking less and choosing our words wisely, we can avoid conflicts, maintain harmonious relationships, and earn the respect of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to guard our tongues and speak with wisdom and kindness.