Hadith #9561

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

مَنْ أمَّرَ عَلَيْهِ لِسانَهُ قَضا بِحَتْفِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who makes his tongue his master has decreed his own death.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense power and consequences of our words.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (amara) "أمَّرَ" means to make someone or something a master or ruler. In this context, it refers to giving control or authority to one's tongue. The word (lisānuhu) "لِسانَهُ" means one's tongue, which is the instrument of speech. And finally, (qadā biḥatfihi) "قَضا بِحَتْفِهِ" means to decree or bring about one's own death.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of controlling our tongues and being mindful of the words we utter. It warns against allowing our tongues to become our masters, as it can lead to disastrous consequences. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the power of speech and the impact it can have on our lives and the lives of others.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For example, 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 reminds us of the importance of being cautious with our words and not speaking about matters without knowledge. It serves as a reminder that our tongues should not be given free reign, as we will be held accountable for what we say.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, your Lord is in observation.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of everything we say and do. It serves as a reminder that we should be mindful of our speech and strive to use our tongues for good.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the consequences of allowing our tongues to become our masters. When we speak without restraint, we may utter hurtful words, engage in gossip, spread falsehoods, or engage in backbiting. These actions can lead to the destruction of relationships, the spread of discord, and the tarnishing of our own reputation.

Moreover, our words have the power to inflict deep emotional wounds on others. Just as physical wounds can lead to death, the wounds caused by hurtful words can have a lasting impact on a person's well-being and mental health. By allowing our tongues to rule over us, we are essentially bringing about our own spiritual death and distancing ourselves from the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, if we strive to control our tongues and use them for good, we can bring about positive change in ourselves and in society. Our words can be a source of comfort, encouragement, and guidance for others. They can foster unity, spread knowledge, and promote justice. By being mindful of our speech and using our tongues wisely, we can bring life and blessings into our lives and the lives of those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of allowing our tongues to become our masters. It urges us to be mindful of our speech and to use our words wisely. By controlling our tongues and using them for good, we can bring about positive change and avoid the spiritual death that comes with unrestrained speech. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to guard our tongues and use them in a manner that pleases Him.