Hadith #8905

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "رُبَّ كَلام كَلاّم۔" which translates to

Many an utterance is hurtful.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their words and the impact they can have on others.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (rubba) "رُبَّ" signifies "many" or "countless," emphasizing the abundance of hurtful words that can be spoken. (kalam) "كَلام" refers to speech or utterance, encompassing both verbal and written communication. And (kalām) "كَلاّم" denotes something that is hurtful or harmful.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and speaking with kindness and wisdom. For instance, 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.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

These verses highlight the importance of using our words wisely and avoiding hurtful speech. Our words have the power to either build bridges or create divisions, to uplift or to hurt. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that we should be cautious and mindful of the impact our words can have on others.

When we reflect on the consequences of hurtful speech, we realize that it can lead to broken relationships, emotional pain, and even societal discord. Hurtful words can cause deep wounds that may take a long time to heal. They can damage trust, sow seeds of animosity, and create a hostile environment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, understood the power of words. He was a master of eloquence and used his speech to guide and educate others. His words were filled with wisdom, compassion, and empathy. He taught us that true strength lies in controlling our tongues and speaking with kindness and respect.

As Muslims, we are called to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran. We should strive to be mindful of our words and their impact on others. We should choose our words carefully, ensuring that they are beneficial, uplifting, and in line with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their speech. It highlights the abundance of hurtful words that can be spoken and urges us to use our words wisely and with kindness. By doing so, we can foster harmony, build stronger relationships, and contribute to a more compassionate and peaceful society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in using our words for the betterment of ourselves and others.