Hadith #9546

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 the final Messenger, Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

كُلُّ إنْسان مُؤاخَذٌ بِجِنايَةِ لِسانِهِ ويَدِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Every person is held accountable for the offence committed by his tongue and his hand.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our words and actions, as they have consequences and will be taken into account on the Day of Judgment.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used. The word (mu'akhadh) "مُؤاخَذٌ" means to be held accountable or responsible for something. It implies that individuals will be answerable for their actions and the consequences that arise from them. The word (jinayah) "جِنايَةِ" refers to an offense or a wrongdoing. It encompasses all types of sins and transgressions committed by an individual. Finally, the words (lisanihi wa yadihi) "لِسانِهِ ويَدِهِ" denote the tongue and the hand, symbolizing speech and actions respectively.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and reinforce the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

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 being cautious with our words and actions, as they will be subject to scrutiny and questioning. It reminds us to refrain from engaging in matters that we have no knowledge of, as it can lead to harmful consequences.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:13-14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Indeed, the punishment of your Lord is severe. Indeed, it is He who originates and repeats.

These verses emphasize the severity of Allah's punishment and His ability to bring about consequences for our actions. It serves as a reminder that our words and actions have a lasting impact and will be taken into account.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges Muslims to be mindful of their tongues and hands. It serves as a reminder that our words hold immense power and can either bring about good or cause harm. Our tongues have the potential to spread rumors, engage in backbiting, and engage in false speech, all of which are grave sins in Islam. Similarly, our hands have the ability to commit acts of violence, theft, and other harmful actions. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to exercise restraint and control over their tongues and hands, ensuring that they are used for righteous purposes.

By reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are motivated to be conscious of their words and actions, striving to align them with the teachings of Islam. They are encouraged to speak the truth, avoid gossip and slander, and use their hands for acts of kindness, charity, and justice. By doing so, they can cultivate a society that is built upon righteousness and accountability.

The consequences of not heeding this Hadith are far-reaching. If individuals do not exercise caution with their tongues and hands, they risk causing harm to themselves and others. They may find themselves entangled in conflicts, facing legal repercussions, or experiencing strained relationships. Moreover, on the Day of Judgment, they will be held accountable for every word spoken and every action taken. This Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of self-discipline and self-control, as it is through these qualities that Muslims can avoid the negative consequences associated with heedless speech and actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the accountability of every individual for their words and actions. It urges Muslims to be mindful of their tongues and hands, as they hold the power to bring about both positive and negative consequences. By aligning their speech and actions with the teachings of Islam, Muslims can strive towards righteousness and avoid the harmful repercussions associated with heedless behavior. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to be mindful of our words and actions, and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.