Hadith #9571

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two fundamental principles in Islam: guarding the tongue and doing good to others. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. "Hifz" refers to guarding or protecting, while "lisān" means tongue. The word "bathl" signifies doing good or showing kindness, and "ihsān" encompasses acts of excellence and benevolence towards others.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the significance of guarding the tongue. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two-thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of reciting the Quran and performing acts of worship that are within our capabilities. It reminds us that Allah is aware of our limitations and encourages us to focus on what we can do rather than burdening ourselves with what is beyond our capacity. Similarly, guarding the tongue entails refraining from uttering harmful or false words that may cause harm to oneself or others.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the concept of doing good to others in various verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages Muslims to spend in the way of Allah and to engage in acts of goodness and charity. It reminds us that Allah loves those who perform acts of kindness and benevolence towards others. Doing good to others not only benefits the recipient but also brings about a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction within the doer.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound impact that guarding the tongue and doing good to others can have on an individual's well-being. By controlling our speech and refraining from harmful or negative words, we can avoid conflicts, misunderstandings, and hurtful situations. This practice promotes harmony, peace, and unity within society.

Additionally, by actively engaging in acts of kindness and benevolence, we contribute to the betterment of our communities and foster a culture of compassion and empathy. Such actions have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a positive and uplifting environment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on these principles is a reflection of his profound knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam. His own exemplary character and conduct serve as a testament to the importance of guarding the tongue and doing good to others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of guarding our speech and engaging in acts of kindness towards others. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the well-being of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these principles in our lives and may He bless us with the ability to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).