Hadith #5808

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

أُصْمُتْ دَهْرَكَ يَجِلَّ أمْرُك۔

This can be translated as,

Remain silent in your lifetime and your affair will become lofty.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (usmut) "أُصْمُتْ" means to remain silent or to refrain from speaking. (dahrak) "دَهْرَكَ" refers to one's lifetime or the duration of one's existence. And (yajillah) "يَجِلَّ" means to become lofty, elevated, or exalted. Finally, (amruk) "أمْرُك" refers to one's affair or matter.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:55),

Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors.

This verse highlights the importance of humility and private supplication to Allah. Remaining silent in our lifetime can be seen as a manifestation of this humility, as it allows us to reflect and seek guidance from Allah without the distractions of idle speech.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the successful believers as those who

turn away from ill speech.

This verse emphasizes the significance of refraining from engaging in harmful or unnecessary speech. By remaining silent, we can avoid falling into the trap of engaging in gossip, backbiting, or spreading falsehoods, which can tarnish our reputation and harm others.

The consequences of following the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith are profound. When we choose to remain silent, we create an atmosphere of tranquility and peace within ourselves and our surroundings. This silence allows us to focus on self-reflection, introspection, and the remembrance of Allah. It enables us to control our tongues and avoid uttering words that may cause harm or regret.

Moreover, remaining silent in our lifetime can elevate our affairs and bring about positive outcomes. When we refrain from unnecessary speech, we become more attentive listeners, allowing us to better understand the perspectives and concerns of others. This, in turn, fosters stronger relationships, promotes harmony, and facilitates effective communication.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his advice in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the human condition. By choosing silence, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and the potential harm that can arise from thoughtless words. Instead, we can focus on uplifting our souls, seeking knowledge, and engaging in meaningful conversations that bring about positive change.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the value of remaining silent in our lifetime. By doing so, we can elevate our affairs, cultivate inner peace, and foster harmonious relationships. Let us strive to emulate the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and choose silence as a means to attain spiritual growth and success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our tongues and speak only that which is beneficial.