Hadith #9569

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us against using the sharpness of our tongues against those who have given us the ability to speak, and against using the eloquence of our speech against those who guide us to the right path. This profound statement emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and gratitude, and highlights the significance of using our words wisely and responsibly.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (daraba) "ذَرَبَ" means "sharpness" or "harshness," referring to the negative use of one's tongue to hurt or belittle others. The word (lisānik) "لِسانِكَ" means "your tongue," symbolizing the power of speech and communication. (anṭaqaka) "أنْطَقَكَ" means "made you speak," signifying those who have given us the ability to express ourselves through speech. On the other hand, (balāghah) "بَلاغَةَ" means "eloquence" or "rhetoric," representing the skill of effective and persuasive speech. Lastly, (saddadaka) "سَدَّدَكَ" means "guides you," indicating those who lead us towards the right path and provide us with guidance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from mocking or belittling others, as we do not know their true worth in the sight of Allah. It reminds us to treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of their social status or appearance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to be patient and gentle in his interactions with others, saying,

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 highlights the importance of choosing our words carefully and speaking in a manner that is pleasing to Allah. It reminds us that our speech should be characterized by kindness, wisdom, and sincerity, rather than by harshness or arrogance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their words and the impact they can have on others. It encourages us to reflect on the source of our ability to speak and the guidance we receive from others. By recognizing the blessings bestowed upon us and showing gratitude, we can cultivate a sense of humility and empathy towards others.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking guidance from those who lead us to the right path. It reminds us to appreciate the wisdom and knowledge of those who guide us and to be receptive to their advice. By valuing the guidance of others, we can enhance our own understanding and grow spiritually.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to use their words wisely and responsibly. It urges us to refrain from using our tongues to harm or belittle others and to appreciate the guidance we receive from those who lead us to the right path. By embodying the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can foster a culture of kindness, respect, and gratitude in our interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these teachings in our daily lives.