Hadith #3125

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

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

الخرس خير من الكذب

which translates to

Muteness is better than lying.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and teaches us an important lesson about the value of silence and the harmful nature of falsehood.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Al-Khars" refers to muteness or silence, while "Al-Kadhib" means lying or falsehood. Muteness here does not imply a physical inability to speak, but rather a deliberate choice to remain silent. Lying, on the other hand, refers to intentionally distorting the truth for personal gain or to deceive others.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and warns against the consequences of lying. Allah says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:30),

And shun false speech.

This verse urges Muslims to abstain from falsehood and deceit in all aspects of their lives. Lying not only breaks the trust of others but also leads to a loss of integrity and moral decay within oneself.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42), Allah says,

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse highlights the gravity of mixing truth with falsehood, emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth and avoiding any form of deception. It is a reminder to Muslims to always be honest and transparent in their words and actions.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement,

Muteness is better than lying.

This Hadith teaches us that remaining silent is preferable to speaking falsehood. There are situations where it is better to withhold information or remain silent rather than resorting to lies or deceit. Silence, in such cases, preserves one's integrity and prevents the spread of falsehood.

For example, imagine a scenario where someone asks you about a sensitive matter that you are not at liberty to disclose. Instead of lying or divulging the confidential information, it is better to remain silent. By doing so, you uphold the principles of honesty and protect the trust others have placed in you.

Imam Ali's statement also highlights the importance of self-control and restraint in our speech. It reminds us to think before we speak and to weigh the consequences of our words. In situations where the truth may cause harm or discord, it is better to exercise caution and choose silence over falsehood.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to cultivate a culture of truthfulness and integrity within ourselves and our communities. By valuing honesty and avoiding lies, we contribute to a society built on trust and mutual respect. Our words hold power, and it is our responsibility as Muslims to use that power wisely and truthfully.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Muteness is better than lying,

teaches us the importance of silence and the harmful nature of falsehood. It reminds us to uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in our words and actions. By choosing silence over lies, we preserve our integrity and contribute to a society built on trust and truthfulness. May Allah guide us to always speak the truth and grant us the wisdom to know when to remain silent.