Hadith #4979

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and 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) states, "السَّامِعُ شَريكُ القائِلِ۔" This impactful Hadith can be translated as,

The listener is a partner of the speaker.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications.

The word (as-sami'u) "السَّامِعُ" refers to the listener, the one who hears or pays attention to the words being spoken. This word emphasizes the importance of active listening, not merely hearing the words but truly comprehending and internalizing their meaning. It highlights the responsibility of the listener to actively engage with the speaker and to give due consideration to the message being conveyed.

On the other hand, the word (sharik) "شَريكُ" means partner or associate. In this context, it signifies the shared responsibility and accountability of both the speaker and the listener. It implies that the listener is not a passive recipient of information, but rather an active participant in the communication process. The listener has a role to play in the success or failure of the message being delivered.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of attentive listening and active engagement in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 7:204)

And when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy

This verse highlights the necessity of actively listening to the Quran, as it is a means of attaining Allah's mercy.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 8:24)

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life

This verse emphasizes the need for Muslims to respond to the call of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), indicating that listening and taking action are intertwined.

From these verses, we can deduce that attentive listening is not only a passive act but also a means of seeking Allah's mercy and responding to His guidance. It is a way to actively participate in the message being delivered and to fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

Now, let us reflect on the profound implications of Imam Ali's statement. The Hadith reminds us that the listener bears a share of responsibility in the communication process. It is not enough for the speaker to convey a message effectively; the listener must also actively engage with the message and internalize its meaning. By doing so, the listener becomes a partner in the dissemination of knowledge and the implementation of its teachings.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their role as listeners. It urges us to be attentive, open-minded, and receptive to the words being spoken. It encourages us to actively seek knowledge, not only from scholars and teachers but also from our fellow Muslims. It reminds us that our engagement as listeners is crucial in the transmission and preservation of Islamic teachings.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the importance of effective communication within the Muslim community. It emphasizes the need for clarity, sincerity, and mutual understanding between speakers and listeners. When both parties fulfill their respective roles with diligence and sincerity, the message can be conveyed accurately and comprehensively.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "السَّامِعُ شَريكُ القائِلِ۔" reminds us of the shared responsibility between the speaker and the listener in the communication process. It emphasizes the active role of the listener and the importance of attentive listening. By actively engaging with the message being conveyed, the listener becomes a partner in the dissemination and implementation of knowledge. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be attentive listeners and active participants in the transmission of knowledge.