Hadith #8993

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ كَثُرَ مَقالُهُ لَمْ يَعْدَمِ السَّقَطَ۔

This Hadith highlights the negative consequences of excessive speech. To understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (maqaluhu) "مَقالُهُ" refers to one's speech or words. It encompasses both the quantity and quality of what is said. The term (kathura) "كَثُرَ" means excessive or abundant. It implies an overwhelming amount of speech, beyond what is necessary or beneficial. Lastly, (lam yadami) "لَمْ يَعْدَمِ" translates to "never free from" or "always accompanied by." It emphasizes the perpetual presence of (as-saqaṭa) "السَّقَطَ", which refers to lapses, mistakes, or errors.

To gain a deeper understanding of the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of measured and purposeful speech. In Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah says,

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 encourages Muslims to choose their words wisely and speak in a manner that promotes goodness and unity. Excessive speech, on the other hand, can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and the spread of falsehoods.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-11), Allah warns against the consequences of excessive speech, saying,

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 moderation in worship and speech. Allah recognizes the limitations of human beings and encourages them to engage in acts that are within their capacity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their words and to avoid excessive speech. Excessive talking can lead to a multitude of negative consequences. It can result in the spreading of rumors, the distortion of facts, and the loss of credibility. Moreover, excessive speech can lead to wastage of time and energy, diverting one's focus from more important matters. It can also strain relationships and create misunderstandings, as people may become overwhelmed or disinterested in listening to constant chatter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, understood the importance of measured speech. He exemplified this quality throughout his life, choosing his words carefully and speaking with eloquence and clarity. His words were impactful and carried weight, as they were rooted in knowledge and guided by the principles of Islam.

As Muslims, we should strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran. We should be mindful of the quantity and quality of our speech, ensuring that our words are beneficial, truthful, and in line with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of excessive speech and cultivate an environment of harmony, understanding, and righteousness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak with purpose and moderation, and may He bless us with the ability to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in all aspects of our lives.