Hadith #8941

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,

لاتَقُلْ ما يُثْقِلُ وِزْرَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not say that which will make your burden [of sin] heavy.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great significance and provides valuable guidance for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (taqul) "تَقُلْ" comes from the root word (qalla) "قَلَّ", which means to become heavy or burdensome. It refers to actions or statements that carry a weight of sin and wrongdoing. The word (wizrak) "وِزْرَكَ" means burden or load, specifically referring to the burden of sins that one carries.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to say anything that will add to the weight of our sins. This encompasses both our words and actions. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of our speech and to avoid uttering anything that may lead to sin or harm. It emphasizes the importance of speaking with wisdom, kindness, and righteousness.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of being cautious with our words and actions, as we will be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgment.

In Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against spreading false rumors and engaging in idle talk. He says,

Indeed, the punishment of your Lord is severe. Indeed, it is He who originates [creation] and repeats.

This serves as a reminder that our words hold power and can have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of what we say and to avoid engaging in speech that may lead to sin or harm.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our words and actions. When we speak without considering the weight of our words, we may unknowingly burden ourselves with sins. Our words have the potential to hurt others, spread falsehoods, or engage in backbiting and slander. By being mindful of our speech, we can avoid adding unnecessary weight to our burden of sins.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before speaking. It encourages us to refrain from making assumptions or spreading misinformation. Just as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in the Quran to not pursue that which we have no knowledge of, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be cautious with our words and to speak only when we are certain of the truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to be mindful of their speech and actions. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding words and actions that add to the burden of our sins. By reflecting on the consequences of our words and seeking knowledge before speaking, we can strive to be righteous individuals who contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in following the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to speak with righteousness and kindness.