Hadith #9581

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إذا ذَمَمْتَ فَاقْتَصِرْ۔" This can be translated as,

When you [have to] censure [someone], make it short.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their interactions with others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (dhamamt) "ذَمَمْتَ" is derived from the root word (dhamama) "ذَمَمَ", which means to criticize or censure someone. It implies pointing out someone's faults or shortcomings. The word (faqtasir) "فَاقْتَصِرْ" is derived from the root word (qasara) "قَصَرَ", which means to make something short or concise.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us to be mindful of our speech and to choose our words wisely. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:32)

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse teaches us the importance of avoiding harmful speech and engaging in actions that are pleasing to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:11)

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from insulting or belittling others, as it goes against the principles of faith and righteousness.

Now, let us delve into the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When we find ourselves in a situation where we feel the need to criticize or censure someone, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to keep our words concise. This guidance serves multiple purposes.

Firstly, by making our censure short, we avoid the risk of exaggerating or amplifying the faults of others. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, we may be tempted to overstate someone's shortcomings, which can lead to unnecessary conflict and hurt feelings. By keeping our criticism brief, we ensure that our words are focused and accurate, without unnecessarily damaging the relationship.

Secondly, concise censure allows for a more effective and impactful communication. When we are concise in our criticism, we are more likely to be heard and understood. Lengthy and drawn-out censure can often lead to the listener becoming defensive or tuning out. By keeping it short, we increase the chances of our message being received and considered by the person we are addressing.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice encourages us to be mindful of the potential consequences of our words. Lengthy and harsh criticism can have a lasting negative impact on the person being censured. It can damage their self-esteem, create resentment, and strain relationships. By choosing our words carefully and making our censure short, we minimize the potential harm caused by our criticism.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being mindful of our speech, especially when it comes to criticizing others. By keeping our censure short, we avoid exaggeration, ensure effective communication, and minimize harm. This guidance aligns with the Quranic teachings of using kind and respectful language, and it serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of patience, wisdom, and compassion in their interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to be mindful of our words in all situations.