Hadith #9519

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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) advises us to safeguard our tongues, comparing it to the way we treasure our gold and money. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and being mindful of the words we utter.

The word (ukhzun) "أُخْزُنْ" in the Hadith means to protect or safeguard. It implies the need to exercise caution and control over our tongues, just as we would protect our valuable possessions. This word highlights the significance of being mindful of the words we speak and the impact they can have on ourselves and others.

The Hadith draws our attention to the fact that our tongues have the potential to cause harm and damage. Just as gold and money can be misused or wasted, our words can also be misused and cause harm if not used wisely. Therefore, it is essential for us to exercise restraint and think before we speak.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of guarding our tongues and speaking with wisdom. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

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 reminds us to choose our words carefully and speak in a manner that is pleasing to Allah. It warns us against falling into the traps of Satan, who seeks to create discord and division through our speech. By speaking with kindness and wisdom, we can protect ourselves from the influence of Satan and promote unity among Muslims.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 performing acts of worship to the best of our abilities. It also reminds us that Allah is aware of our limitations and forgives us for any shortcomings. Similarly, when it comes to our speech, we should strive to speak in a manner that is within our capabilities and aligns with the teachings of Islam.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the profound impact our words can have on ourselves and others. Our tongues have the power to build bridges or create divisions, to spread love or sow hatred. By safeguarding our tongues and speaking with wisdom, we can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

Let us remember the words of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who said,

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.

This Hadith further emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and using it for positive purposes.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to guard their tongues and speak with wisdom. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the harm that can result from careless speech and contribute to a more peaceful and united community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our tongues and use our words for the betterment of ourselves and others.