Hadith #9538

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

زَلَّةُ اللِّسانِ أنْكى مِنْ إصابَةِ السِّنانِ۔

This powerful statement highlights the significance of controlling our speech and the potential harm that can be caused by a slip of the tongue. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (zallat) "زَلَّةُ" refers to a mistake, error, or slip. It implies an unintentional act or a momentary lapse in judgment. The word (al-lisan) "اللِّسانِ" refers to the tongue, which is the instrument of speech. It is through our tongues that we communicate our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. The word (ankaa) "أنْكى" means more harmful or more dangerous. And finally, (isabat al-sinan) "إصابَةِ السِّنانِ" translates to the thrust of the spearhead, symbolizing a physical attack or injury.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and being mindful of our speech. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

Indeed, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His way, and He is the best aware of those who are guided.

This verse reminds us that Allah is fully aware of our actions, including our words. Therefore, we should strive to speak truthfully, kindly, and with wisdom, avoiding any slips of the tongue that may lead us astray.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 highlights the importance of choosing our words carefully, as Satan can exploit our slips of the tongue to sow discord and create division among believers. Therefore, we must strive to speak words that are beneficial, kind, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the potential harm caused by a slip of the tongue. Just as a thrust of a spearhead can cause physical harm, an unguarded tongue can inflict emotional and psychological damage. A single word spoken in haste or without consideration can rupture relationships, spread rumors, and tarnish reputations.

We can reflect on various examples from history where the slip of the tongue had severe consequences. For instance, during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), a companion named Abdullah ibn Umar mistakenly accused another companion, Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, of stealing. This accusation caused immense distress to Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, who was innocent. Upon realizing his mistake, Abdullah ibn Umar sought forgiveness and rectified the situation. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious with our words and the need to rectify any harm caused by our slips of the tongue.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to be mindful of our speech. We should strive to control our tongues, speak truthfully, and avoid any slips that may cause harm. The Quranic verses mentioned emphasize the significance of guarding our tongues and choosing our words wisely. Let us reflect on the consequences of our speech and strive to emulate the wisdom and restraint demonstrated by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his teachings and actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in using our tongues for good and protect us from the harm caused by slips of the tongue.