Hadith #5949

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Al-dama'iru al-sihaah asdaq shahadatan min al-alsun al-fisaah.

This Hadith can be translated as,

Healthy consciences are more truthful witnesses than eloquent tongues.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran. The word "dama'ir" refers to the innermost thoughts and feelings of a person, their conscience or inner self. "Sihaah" means healthy or sound, indicating a state of purity and righteousness. "Asdaq" means more truthful or more accurate, highlighting the reliability and authenticity of the testimony. And "alsun al-fisaah" refers to eloquent tongues, emphasizing the power of speech and persuasion.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of sincerity and purity of intention. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in wealth, lineage, or eloquence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14), Allah states,

The Arabs of the desert say, 'We believe.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse teaches us that true belief is not merely a verbal claim but is manifested through sincere actions and a pure heart.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the superiority of a healthy conscience over eloquent speech. It reminds us that the testimony of a person's inner self, their true intentions and sincerity, holds more weight and truthfulness than the words spoken by an eloquent tongue. A person may possess the ability to articulate their thoughts skillfully, but if their conscience is tainted or their intentions are impure, their words lose their credibility.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the purification of their hearts and the sincerity of their intentions. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam. It reminds us that true righteousness lies in the depths of our hearts, and that our words and actions should be a reflection of our inner selves.

For example, a person may speak eloquently about justice and equality, but if their actions do not reflect these values, their words become empty and meaningless. On the other hand, a person with a healthy conscience and sincere intentions may not possess the same eloquence, but their actions will speak volumes and have a lasting impact.

The consequences of prioritizing a healthy conscience over eloquent speech are profound. It leads to a society built on sincerity, honesty, and integrity. It fosters trust and unity among individuals, as their actions are consistent with their words. It also encourages self-reflection and self-improvement, as individuals strive to align their inner selves with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of a healthy conscience and sincere intentions. It reminds us that true testimony lies in the purity of our hearts, and that eloquent speech alone is not enough to establish credibility. By prioritizing the purification of our hearts and aligning our actions with our beliefs, we can become more truthful witnesses and contribute to the establishment of a just and righteous society. May Allah guide us all to sincerity and righteousness.