Hadith #5823

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of silence and the distinction between true silence and being inarticulate. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the one who is capable of providing a response but chooses not to is deserving of being called 'silent'. On the other hand, if someone remains silent due to their inability to respond, then the term 'inarticulate' is more appropriate.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (samit) "صَمْتِ" refers to silence or refraining from speech. It implies a deliberate choice to withhold one's words. The word (mudtali') "مُضْطَلِعُ" means someone who is capable or competent. It signifies the ability to respond or give an answer. Lastly, the word (ayy) "عَيُّ" refers to someone who is unable to speak or express themselves.

This Hadith reminds us of the significance of thoughtful silence and the importance of choosing our words wisely. It teaches us that remaining silent when we have the ability to respond is a praiseworthy quality. It reflects wisdom, self-control, and the ability to consider the consequences of our words. In certain situations, silence can be more powerful than speech, as it allows us to maintain our dignity and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the teachings of this Hadith. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse encourages us to respond to others with kindness and patience, but also advises us to turn away from those who are ignorant or engage in futile arguments. By choosing silence in such situations, we preserve our own peace and avoid unnecessary conflict.

Another verse that aligns with the teachings of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the servants of the Most Merciful. Among these qualities is their ability to

walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say words of peace.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to ignorance and hostility with words of peace, rather than engaging in futile arguments or responding in a manner that may escalate the situation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own behavior and speech. It encourages us to evaluate the consequences of our words and to exercise self-restraint when faced with situations that may provoke us. By choosing silence over unnecessary arguments or responding with patience and kindness, we can maintain our dignity and promote a peaceful environment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of thoughtful silence and the distinction between true silence and being inarticulate. It reminds us that remaining silent when we have the ability to respond is a praiseworthy quality, reflecting wisdom and self-control. The Quranic verses mentioned provide further support for this teaching, emphasizing the importance of responding to ignorance and hostility with words of peace. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our interactions with others, choosing our words wisely and maintaining our dignity in all situations.