Hadith #9554

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 righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of controlling one's tongue. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, advises Muslims to restrain their tongues in order to protect themselves from harm. He states,

If you restrain your tongue, it will save you and if you set it free, it will ruin you.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance. The word (lisānuka) "لِسانُكَ" refers to one's tongue, which is a powerful tool of communication. It is through our tongues that we express our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. However, if not used wisely, the tongue can become a source of harm and destruction.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of our actions regarding our tongues. If we restrain our tongues, meaning we control our speech and refrain from uttering harmful or false words, it will save us from the negative consequences that may arise from our speech. On the other hand, if we set our tongues free and speak without caution, it can lead to ruin and destruction.

This profound advice from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of our speech in several ayats. In Surah Al-Qalam, Allah says, (Quran 68:11)

Indeed, your tongue is a great favor from your Lord

This verse reminds us of the blessings and potential of our tongues. It is a gift from Allah that can be used for good or evil.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in Surah Al-Isra, (Quran 17:36)

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned

This verse reminds us to be cautious with our speech and not to speak about matters without proper knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of restraining our tongues from spreading rumors, false information, or engaging in idle talk.

The consequences of uncontrolled speech can be severe. It can lead to the spread of false information, causing harm to individuals and communities. It can also damage relationships, create conflicts, and tarnish reputations. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to exercise caution and wisdom in their speech to avoid such negative consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is not limited to verbal speech alone but also encompasses our online interactions. In the age of social media, where words can spread rapidly and have far-reaching consequences, it is even more crucial to restrain our tongues. We must think before we post or share anything online, ensuring that our words are truthful, respectful, and beneficial.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to control their tongues and exercise caution in their speech. By restraining our tongues, we can protect ourselves from harm and maintain harmonious relationships with others. It is a call to reflect on the power of our words and the responsibility that comes with it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to control our tongues and use our speech for the betterment of ourselves and society.