Hadith #5851

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Man sakata fasalima, kaman takallama faghanima.

This Hadith emphasizes the significance of silence and its potential benefits. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "sakata" in Arabic means to remain silent or to refrain from speaking. It implies a conscious choice to withhold one's words. On the other hand, "fasalima" means to be safe or secure. This refers to the spiritual and emotional well-being that is attained through silence. It is important to note that this silence is not passive, but rather a deliberate act of self-restraint.

The Hadith compares the one who remains silent to the one who derives benefit by speaking. The word "takallama" means to speak or express oneself. It signifies the act of using words to convey thoughts, ideas, or emotions. "Faghanima" means to gain or acquire something valuable. Therefore, this Hadith suggests that remaining silent can be as beneficial as speaking, if not more.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the importance of silence and its virtues. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199):

Hold to forgiveness, command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to exercise patience and self-restraint in the face of ignorance or provocation. By remaining silent, one can avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain a peaceful environment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to be patient and to refrain from engaging in arguments with those who dispute his message. This verse highlights the importance of silence as a means of preserving one's dignity and avoiding unnecessary confrontations.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that silence can be a powerful tool for self-preservation and personal growth. By choosing to remain silent, we can protect ourselves from engaging in harmful or idle speech that may lead to regret or harm. It allows us to reflect on our thoughts and emotions, enabling us to respond with wisdom and clarity when the time is right.

Silence also provides an opportunity for introspection and self-improvement. It allows us to listen attentively to others, fostering empathy and understanding. By being silent, we can learn from the experiences and wisdom of others, broadening our knowledge and perspectives.

Moreover, silence can be a means of avoiding gossip, backbiting, and spreading rumors, which are condemned in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12):

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.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the value of silence and its potential benefits. By remaining silent, we can safeguard our well-being, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and foster personal growth. It is important for Muslims to reflect on the wisdom of this Hadith and strive to incorporate silence as a virtue in their daily lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, and may He bless us with the ability to derive benefit from both.