Hadith #4975

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

اِسْمَعْ تَعْلَمْ، وَ اصْمُتْ تَسْلَمْ۔

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali emphasizes the importance of listening and remaining silent. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (isma') "اِسْمَعْ" means "listen" or "hear." It is a command verb, urging Muslims to pay attention and actively engage their sense of hearing. This implies that listening is not merely a passive act, but rather an active process of absorbing knowledge and understanding. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of listening in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:170)

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

This verse highlights the importance of listening to the divine guidance rather than blindly following the traditions of our forefathers.

The word (ta'lam) "تَعْلَمْ" means "learn" or "acquire knowledge." It is a command verb, urging Muslims to seek knowledge actively. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge and understanding. In Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says, (Quran 47:19)

So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge about the oneness of Allah and seeking forgiveness for our sins.

The word (ismut) "اصْمُتْ" means "remain silent" or "be quiet." It is a command verb, urging Muslims to refrain from speaking unnecessarily. This implies that silence is a virtue and can protect us from many troubles and conflicts. The Quran also emphasizes the importance of silence in various instances. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (Quran 7:8-9)

And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy - it is they who will be the successful. And those whose scales are light - they are the ones who will lose themselves for what injustice they were doing toward Our verses

This verse highlights the importance of being silent and not engaging in unjust speech that may lead to negative consequences.

The phrase (taslam) "تَسْلَمْ" means

you will be safe

or

you will be protected.

It signifies that by remaining silent, one can avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and harm. The Quran also emphasizes the concept of safety and protection. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided

This verse highlights the concept of seeking protection and guidance from Allah through supplication and obedience.

In light of this Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of active listening and seeking knowledge. By actively listening, Muslims can acquire knowledge and understanding, which is essential for their spiritual growth and development. Moreover, Imam Ali advises us to remain silent, as silence can protect us from unnecessary conflicts and harm. By refraining from speaking unnecessarily, we can maintain peace and tranquility in our lives.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their words and actions. It encourages us to seek knowledge actively and to use our voices wisely. By listening attentively and remaining silent when necessary, we can foster a peaceful and harmonious environment within ourselves and in our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to listen, learn, and remain silent when needed.