Hadith #5805

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtue of silence and its profound impact on an individual's character and relationship with Allah. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The word (silence) "الصَّمْتُ" refers to refraining from speaking or remaining quiet. It is a state of withholding words and abstaining from unnecessary speech. The word (covers you) "يُكْسِيكَ" implies that silence adorns an individual with dignity, honor, and respect. It is through silence that one can elevate their character and attain a sense of self-control and composure.

The phrase (dignity) "الوَقارَ" signifies a state of nobility and honor. It is a quality that emanates from within and is reflected in one's demeanor and conduct. Silence, as mentioned in the Hadith, becomes a means to acquire and maintain this dignity. Allah, in the Quran, praises those who possess this quality:

(Quran 25:63)

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with peace and tranquility. By choosing silence in such situations, one can maintain their dignity and avoid engaging in futile arguments or disputes.

The Hadith also states that silence suffices as one's provision for seeking pardon. This implies that by remaining silent, one can seek forgiveness from Allah without the need for verbal apologies or explanations. This is in line with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of seeking forgiveness and repentance:

(Quran 24:31)

And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.

Silence, in this context, serves as a form of repentance and seeking pardon. It allows individuals to reflect on their actions, acknowledge their mistakes, and seek forgiveness from Allah without the need for elaborate words or excuses.

Furthermore, silence can also prevent one from engaging in backbiting, gossip, or spreading falsehoods. The Quran strictly prohibits such actions:

(Quran 49:12)

And do not backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

By choosing silence, individuals can refrain from engaging in harmful speech and protect themselves from the sins associated with backbiting and gossip. This not only preserves their own integrity but also promotes a harmonious and respectful environment within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of silence and its impact on an individual's character and relationship with Allah. By choosing silence, one can adorn themselves with dignity, maintain composure in the face of ignorance, seek forgiveness from Allah, and avoid engaging in harmful speech. May Allah grant us the wisdom to practice silence when necessary and bless us with the ability to seek pardon through our actions.