Hadith #8692

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The tongue of the neglectful is short.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their daily lives. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (lisān) "لِسانُ" in Arabic refers to the tongue, which is the organ responsible for speech. It symbolizes our ability to communicate and express ourselves. The term (al-muqassir) "المُقَصِّرِ" means neglectful or careless. It describes someone who fails to fulfill their responsibilities or neglects their duties. The word (qasīr) "قَصيرٌ" translates to short, indicating that the tongue of the neglectful is limited in its positive impact and effectiveness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of careless speech in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), where He says,

Indeed, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His way, and He is the best aware of those who are guided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking with wisdom and caution, as careless speech can lead one astray from the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us of the power of our words in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking only about matters that we have knowledge of, as our words have consequences and we will be held accountable for them.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to avoid neglecting the impact of their words. It teaches us that our tongues have the potential to bring about positive change and benefit others, but this potential is limited when we are neglectful in our speech.

When we neglect the power of our words, we may engage in gossip, slander, or hurtful speech that can damage relationships and harm others. Our tongues may become vehicles for spreading falsehood or engaging in idle talk that wastes our time and energy. Such neglectful speech not only harms others but also tarnishes our own character and reputation.

On the other hand, when we are mindful of our speech and use our tongues wisely, we can bring about positive change and benefit others. Our words can be a source of comfort, guidance, and encouragement for those in need. They can be a means of spreading knowledge, promoting justice, and fostering unity within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and being mindful of the impact our words can have. By doing so, we can fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims and contribute positively to society. We should strive to speak with wisdom, kindness, and truthfulness, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the teachings of the Quran.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of being mindful of our speech and avoiding neglectful or careless speech. Our tongues have the power to bring about positive change and benefit others, but this potential is limited when we neglect the impact of our words. By being mindful of our speech and using our tongues wisely, we can fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in using our tongues for good and protect us from the harm of neglectful speech.