Hadith #9566

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of the tongue in the life of a human being. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that without a tongue, a person would be reduced to either a lifeless statue or a wild beast. This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the immense power and responsibility that lies within the human tongue.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (insan) "إنسان" refers to a human being, while (lawla) "لَوْلاَ" means "without" or "if not for." (al-lisan) "اللِّسان" translates to "the tongue." The word (sura) "صُورَةٌ" signifies a statue or an image, and (mumaththala) "مُمَثَّلَةٌ" means lifeless or motionless. On the other hand, (bahimah) "بَهيمَةٌ" refers to a wild beast, and (muhmala) "مُهْمَلَةٌ" implies being neglected or abandoned.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:14-15):

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the tips of his fingers.

These verses highlight the miraculous nature of human creation and the intricate details that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad (90:8-10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness. He has succeeded who purifies it.

These verses emphasize the importance of the soul and its ability to distinguish between good and evil.

When we reflect upon these Quranic verses in light of the Hadith, we can understand that the tongue is a powerful tool that distinguishes humans from lifeless statues and wild beasts. It is through the tongue that we express our thoughts, communicate with others, and convey our beliefs and values. The tongue enables us to articulate our emotions, share knowledge, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

However, the power of the tongue comes with great responsibility. Just as it has the potential to uplift and inspire, it also has the ability to harm and destroy. The tongue can be a source of truth and justice, spreading love and compassion, or it can be a weapon of falsehood, spreading hatred and discord. It is our duty as Muslims to use our tongues wisely and responsibly, in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the consequences of our words. If we neglect the responsibility that comes with the gift of speech, we risk becoming like lifeless statues, devoid of purpose and impact. Conversely, if we misuse our tongues and allow them to become wild and untamed, we resemble wild beasts, causing harm and chaos in our interactions.

Therefore, this Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the significance of their words and actions. It urges us to strive for excellence in our speech, to use our tongues to promote goodness, and to avoid engaging in idle talk, gossip, and slander. By doing so, we can harness the power of our tongues to bring about positive change in our lives and the lives of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of the tongue in the life of a human being. It serves as a reminder of the immense power and responsibility that lies within our speech. By using our tongues wisely and responsibly, we can elevate ourselves from being mere lifeless statues or wild beasts, and instead become individuals who contribute positively to society and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in using our tongues for good and grant us the ability to speak with wisdom and compassion.