Hadith #11191

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 noble companions.

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

قَدْ أفْلَحَ التَّقيُّ الصَّمُوتُ

which translates to

Indeed successful is the God-wary person who [always] remains silent.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of silence and its connection to attaining success in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (taqiyy) "تَقِيُّ" in this Hadith refers to a person who is God-wary, pious, and conscious of their actions. It is someone who fears Allah's displeasure and strives to fulfill their religious obligations. The word (samut) "صَمُوتُ" means to remain silent or to refrain from speaking unnecessarily.

The importance of silence is emphasized in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:55), Allah says,

Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors.

This verse encourages us to turn to Allah in humility and in private, indicating the significance of silent supplication and reflection.

Silence also plays a crucial role in guarding one's tongue and refraining from idle talk, gossip, and backbiting. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah warns against the harmful consequences of backbiting by saying,

And do not backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the destructive nature of backbiting and encourages Muslims to refrain from engaging in such harmful behavior.

Remaining silent also allows one to avoid unnecessary arguments and disputes. In Surah Al-An'am (6:68), Allah advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying,

And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people.

This verse teaches us to disengage from those who engage in offensive discourse and to avoid prolonging arguments that may lead to further harm.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the virtue of silence as a means of attaining success. Remaining silent allows one to focus on their own self-improvement, introspection, and connection with Allah. It helps to avoid unnecessary conflicts, backbiting, and idle talk that can lead to sin and discord.

Silence also allows for better listening and understanding. When we remain silent, we can attentively listen to others, comprehend their perspectives, and respond thoughtfully. This fosters better communication, empathy, and harmony within our relationships.

Moreover, silence can be a form of self-control and discipline. It helps us refrain from impulsive speech and gives us time to reflect before responding. This leads to more measured and wise decisions, preventing us from saying something that we may regret later.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of silence in the life of a God-wary person. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of their words, to avoid unnecessary arguments and conflicts, and to engage in self-reflection and introspection. By practicing silence, we can attain success in this world and the hereafter, and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and attain success in all aspects of our lives.