Hadith #9541

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Restraining the tongue is [a means of attaining] fortune and authority while setting it free is [a cause of] destruction.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and the consequences of failing to do so. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this hadith in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (dabt) "ضَبْطُ" in the hadith refers to restraining or controlling the tongue. It implies having discipline over our speech and being mindful of the words we utter. On the other hand, (itlaq) "إطْلاقُ" means setting the tongue free, which signifies speaking without restraint or caution.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that highlight the significance of controlling our tongues. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two-thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of reciting what is easy from the Quran and not burdening oneself with excessive acts of worship. It teaches us that moderation and balance are key in our religious practices. Similarly, restraining the tongue involves speaking only what is necessary and beneficial, avoiding excessive speech that may lead to harm or falsehood.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 emphasizes the importance of speaking with kindness and choosing our words wisely. It reminds us that our speech has the power to either bring people together or sow discord. By restraining our tongues and speaking what is best, we can avoid falling into the traps of Satan and maintain harmonious relationships.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the consequences of failing to control our speech. When we let our tongues run free without restraint, we open the door to destruction. This can manifest in various ways, such as spreading rumors, engaging in backbiting, or uttering hurtful words that damage relationships. The Quran warns us about the consequences of such behavior in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse reminds us to refrain from negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting, as they are destructive behaviors that harm both individuals and the community as a whole.

Controlling our tongues not only prevents us from engaging in harmful speech but also allows us to cultivate positive qualities. By restraining our speech, we can develop patience, wisdom, and self-discipline. The Quran encourages us to speak with wisdom and kindness in Surah An-Nahl (16:125), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.

This verse teaches us the importance of using our words to invite others to the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with wisdom and good manners. By restraining our tongues and speaking in a gentle and respectful manner, we can effectively convey the message of Islam and positively influence those around us.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise control over their tongues. It emphasizes the importance of restraining our speech and the consequences of failing to do so. By drawing upon the teachings of the Quran, we understand that controlling our tongues is not only a means of attaining fortune and authority but also a way to avoid destruction and cultivate positive qualities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to restrain our tongues and speak words that bring benefit and harmony to ourselves and others.