Hadith #9547

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 Arabic phrase of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is

كَمْ مِنْ دَم سَفَكَهُ فَمٌ۔

This phrase is translated into English as

How much blood has been spilt by the mouth!

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (blood) "دَم" signifies the loss of life, destruction, and harm caused by the words spoken by individuals. It highlights the immense power and impact of our speech on others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the consequences of our words, reminding us that they have the potential to cause great harm and damage.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and using our speech wisely. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages Muslims to choose their words carefully and speak in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It warns against the influence of Satan, who seeks to create divisions and conflicts through our speech.

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

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 highlights the importance of respecting and refraining from insulting others. It teaches us to avoid using offensive language or derogatory remarks, as it goes against the principles of faith and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the consequences of their words. It urges us to be mindful of the impact our speech can have on others, as well as the potential harm it can cause. Our words have the power to either build bridges or create divisions, to bring comfort or inflict pain. Therefore, it is crucial for us to exercise restraint and speak with wisdom and kindness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the weight of words and their consequences. He emphasized the importance of using our tongues responsibly and avoiding the spilling of blood through our speech. By reflecting on his words, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate a culture of respect, empathy, and compassion in their interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the impact of their words. It draws attention to the potential harm that can be caused by careless or hurtful speech. By aligning our words with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to create a society that values kindness, understanding, and unity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in using our speech for the betterment of humanity and protect us from the spilling of blood through our words.