Hadith #9520

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 righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to protect our heads from the slips of our tongues and to constrain it with reason, judiciousness, God-wariness, and intellect. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this amazing Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (athrati) "عَثْرَةِ" in the Hadith refers to the slips or stumbling of the tongue. It reminds us of the importance of guarding our speech and being mindful of the words we utter. The tongue is a powerful tool that can either bring us closer to Allah or lead us astray. Allah warns us in the Quran, (Quran 50:18)

Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)

Therefore, we must be cautious and conscientious in our speech, ensuring that our words are beneficial, truthful, and free from harm.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to protect our heads, which symbolizes our intellect and reasoning. By doing so, we can prevent the slips of our tongues and avoid uttering words that may cause harm or lead to regrettable consequences. The Quran emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and reasoning in making decisions and choosing our words wisely. Allah says, (Quran 8:22)

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason

This verse highlights the significance of employing our intellect and reasoning to avoid falling into ignorance and heedlessness.

To constrain our tongues, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to use reason, judiciousness, God-wariness, and intellect. Reason allows us to think critically and analyze the consequences of our words before speaking. It helps us differentiate between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. Allah repeatedly calls upon us to use our intellect and reason in the Quran, saying, (Quran 13:4)

Indeed, in that are signs for a people who reason

Judiciousness, or (al-hazm) "الحَزْمِ", refers to the quality of being firm and resolute in our speech. It encourages us to speak with confidence and clarity, avoiding ambiguity and indecisiveness. This quality is essential in conveying our thoughts effectively and ensuring that our words have a meaningful impact.

God-wariness, or (taqwa) "التُّقى", is a fundamental concept in Islam. It encompasses the fear of Allah, consciousness of His presence, and striving to avoid anything that displeases Him. By being God-wariness, we become more mindful of our speech and strive to align it with the teachings of Islam. The Quran states, (Quran 33:70)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice

This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking with righteousness and justice, which can only be achieved through God-wariness.

Lastly, intellect, or (al-'aql) "العَقْلِ", refers to our ability to think, understand, and comprehend. It is a gift from Allah that distinguishes us from other creatures. By utilizing our intellect, we can discern the consequences of our words and choose them wisely. The Quran repeatedly urges us to use our intellect and reflect upon its signs, saying, (Quran 13:4)

Indeed, in that are signs for a people who reason

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of guarding our speech and using our intellect and reasoning to choose our words wisely. By doing so, we can avoid the slips of our tongues and ensure that our words are beneficial, truthful, and free from harm. May Allah grant us the wisdom and guidance to protect our heads and tongues, and may He bless us with the ability to speak words that bring us closer to Him.