Hadith #9542

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طَعْنُ اللِّسانِ أمَضُّ مِنْ طَعْنِ السِّنانِ۔

This can be translated as,

The piercing of the tongue is more injurious than the piercing of the spear.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense power and potential harm that lies within the words we speak.

To better understand the depth of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used. (ta'an) "طَعْنُ" refers to the act of piercing or stabbing, while (al-lisan) "اللِّسانِ" means the tongue. (amadd) "أمَضُّ" signifies something that is more severe or harmful, and (ta'an) "طَعْنِ" once again refers to piercing or stabbing, but this time it is used in the context of the spear.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

Indeed, the tongue is a powerful weapon.

This verse emphasizes the significance of the tongue and its potential to cause harm. It serves as a reminder that our words hold immense power and can have lasting effects on others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us,

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

This verse highlights the importance of using our tongues wisely and speaking in the best manner possible. It cautions against falling into the traps of Satan, who seeks to create discord and division through our words.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith draws our attention to the fact that the harm caused by the tongue is even greater than that caused by a physical weapon like a spear. While a spear may cause physical injury, the damage inflicted by the tongue can be far more severe and long-lasting. Words have the power to break hearts, damage relationships, spread false information, and incite hatred. They can leave scars that may never fully heal.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, reminds us of the importance of guarding our tongues and using them for good. He encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our words before uttering them. By doing so, we can avoid causing harm to others and instead contribute to a positive and harmonious society.

Let us take a moment to reflect on our own words and actions. Are we using our tongues to spread kindness, love, and understanding? Or are we allowing our tongues to become weapons that pierce the hearts of others? May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to use our tongues wisely and grant us the ability to speak in a manner that brings benefit and goodness to ourselves and those around us.