Hadith #5806

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أُصْمُتْ تَسْلَمْ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Be silent and you will remain safe.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (usmut) "أُصْمُتْ" is derived from the root word (samata) "صَمَتَ", which means to be silent or to refrain from speaking. Silence is a powerful tool that can protect us from harm and bring about tranquility in our lives. It allows us to reflect, contemplate, and avoid unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings.

The word (taslam) "تَسْلَمْ" is derived from the root word (salam) "سَلَمَ", which means to be safe, secure, or at peace. It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual safety. By practicing silence, we can attain a state of peace and security in all aspects of our lives.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of silence and its positive effects. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to avoid engaging with those who are ignorant or engage in futile arguments. By remaining silent in such situations, we protect ourselves from unnecessary conflicts and maintain our peace.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 refrain from speaking about matters we have no knowledge of. By practicing silence and avoiding speaking without knowledge, we protect ourselves from spreading falsehood or engaging in gossip.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of silence as a means of self-preservation and protection. By choosing to remain silent, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and harmful situations. It allows us to maintain our peace of mind and protect our relationships.

Silence also serves as a means of self-reflection and introspection. When we refrain from speaking, we create space for inner contemplation and self-evaluation. It enables us to assess our thoughts, actions, and intentions. By practicing silence, we can become more self-aware and strive for self-improvement.

Moreover, silence can be a source of strength and wisdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His silence in certain situations was a deliberate choice to convey a message or to maintain his dignity. By emulating his example, we can learn to choose our words wisely and use silence as a means of conveying a powerful message.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Be silent and you will remain safe,

emphasizes the importance of silence as a means of self-preservation, protection, and inner reflection. By practicing silence, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, maintain our peace of mind, and strive for self-improvement. Let us embrace the wisdom of this Hadith and incorporate it into our lives as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice silence when necessary and bless us with peace and security in this world and the Hereafter.