Hadith #10124

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The nobility of a man is evinced by the paucity of his speech and his merit is deduced from his abundant tolerance.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the importance of two qualities: restraint in speech and patience in dealing with others. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (nubl) "نُبْلِ" refers to nobility or excellence, while (maqalih) "مَقالِهِ" denotes speech or words. The term (tafaddulih) "تَفَضُّلِهِ" signifies merit or superiority, and (ihtimalih) "إحْتِمالِهِ" refers to tolerance or forbearance.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of restraint in speech in several verses. 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 encourages Muslims to choose their words wisely and speak in a manner that promotes unity and goodness. Similarly, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

The Prophet's (ﷺ) noble character was reflected in his measured and meaningful speech.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the virtue of patience and tolerance. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse reminds Muslims of the importance of patience in times of difficulty and the rewards that come with it. Additionally, in Surah Al-Imran (3:186), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures the believers by saying,

You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.

This verse highlights the need for patience and forbearance when faced with adversity and criticism.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. The paucity of speech indicates a person's ability to control their tongue and refrain from engaging in idle talk or harmful speech. It reflects their wisdom and restraint, as they choose their words carefully and speak only when necessary. This quality is a manifestation of nobility, as it demonstrates self-control and the ability to convey meaningful messages.

On the other hand, the abundant tolerance mentioned in the Hadith signifies a person's ability to remain patient and forbearing in the face of challenging situations or difficult individuals. It reflects their strength of character and their ability to maintain composure and kindness, even in the face of adversity. This quality is a mark of merit and superiority, as it demonstrates the individual's ability to rise above conflicts and maintain harmonious relationships.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate these qualities in their own lives. By restraining our speech and choosing our words wisely, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and promote unity within our communities. By practicing patience and tolerance, we can navigate through challenging situations with grace and maintain healthy relationships with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of restraint in speech and abundant tolerance. These qualities are rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of wise speech and patience. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can strive towards nobility and merit in their interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these virtues in our lives.