Hadith #8903

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he expresses his astonishment at those who engage in idle talk that neither brings them any benefit in this worldly life nor earns them any reward in the Hereafter. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (speaks) "يَتَكَلَّمُ" and (neither benefits him) "لايَنْفَعُهُ". The word "يَتَكَلَّمُ" implies the act of speaking or engaging in conversation. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is amazed at those who waste their time and energy speaking about matters that do not bring them any benefit. It is important to note that the Hadith does not condemn all forms of speech, but rather highlights the futility of engaging in idle talk that serves no purpose.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9):

O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

This verse emphasizes the importance of engaging in the remembrance of Allah and leaving worldly matters during the Friday prayer. It serves as a reminder that our speech and actions should be directed towards that which benefits us in both this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against engaging in idle talk and wasting time:

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of engaging in idle talk that neither benefits us in this world nor earns us any reward in the Hereafter. Such speech not only wastes our time and energy but also diverts our attention from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteous deeds. It distracts us from fulfilling our responsibilities and duties towards ourselves, our families, and society.

Moreover, the Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of intention and sincerity in our actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:110):

Say, 'I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.'

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to reflect on our words and actions, ensuring that they are aligned with the pursuit of righteousness and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can strive to attain the ultimate reward in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and actions. It encourages us to prioritize that which brings us benefit in this world and earns us reward in the Hereafter. By avoiding idle talk and focusing on the remembrance of Allah, we can strive to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to speak and act in a manner that is pleasing to Him.