Hadith #9536

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The edge of the tongue is sharper than the edge of a spearhead.

This powerful statement emphasizes the potential harm that can be caused by the words we speak. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful of their speech, as it can have a profound impact on others.

The word (had) "حَدُّ" in this Hadith refers to the edge or sharpness of something. It signifies the potential harm or damage that can be caused. The word (lisan) "لِّسانِ" means tongue, which is the organ of speech. And (sinnan) "سِّنانِ" refers to the edge of a spearhead, symbolizing something sharp and dangerous.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 engaging in acts of worship that are within our capacity. It teaches us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our limitations and does not burden us beyond what we can bear. Similarly, in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the potential harm that can be caused by our tongues.

Our words have the power to either uplift or destroy others. They can be a source of comfort, encouragement, and guidance, or they can inflict pain, spread rumors, and cause division. The sharpness of the tongue is metaphorically compared to the edge of a spearhead, highlighting the potential damage that can be caused by our words.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the consequences of our speech. In Surah Al-Qalam (68:13-14), He says,

Indeed, the punishment of your Lord is severe. Indeed, it is He who originates [creation] and repeats.

These verses remind us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the Creator of all things and has the power to hold us accountable for our words and actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, emphasizes the importance of controlling our tongues. He understood that the tongue, if not restrained, can cause immense harm and damage. It is a reminder for us to think before we speak, to choose our words wisely, and to use our tongues to spread goodness and kindness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be mindful of our speech and its impact on others. We should remember that our words have consequences and can leave lasting impressions. Let us take inspiration from the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to use our tongues as instruments of love, compassion, and guidance, seeking to bring people closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fostering unity among Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in controlling our tongues and grant us the ability to speak words that are pleasing to Him.