Hadith #9568

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) emphasizes the importance of using our tongues wisely and speaking only that which will bring us reward and benefit. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to move our tongues except for uttering words that are deserving of reward and that are appropriate to be spoken openly.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith by examining its key words and their implications. The word (do not move) "لاتُجْرِ" signifies the need for restraint and caution in our speech. It implies that we should not speak without purpose or without considering the consequences of our words. This highlights the importance of mindfulness and intentionality in our communication.

The word (your tongue) "لِسانَكَ" refers to the faculty of speech and language that Allah has bestowed upon us as human beings. Our tongues have the power to shape our relationships, convey our thoughts and emotions, and impact the world around us. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to use this gift responsibly and purposefully.

The phrase (that which will earn you reward)

بِما يُكْتَبُ لَكَ أجْرُهُ

emphasizes the importance of speaking words that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our speech should be guided by the principles and values of Islam, seeking to earn the pleasure of Allah and attain spiritual rewards. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-A'raf (7:32), where Allah says,

Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has brought forth for His servants and the good things of His provision? Say: They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse reminds us that the rewards of this world are temporary, but the rewards of the Hereafter are everlasting.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to speak openly, or (that which behoves you to speak [of] openly) "يَجْمُلُ عَنْكَ نَشْرُهُ". This implies that we should speak the truth and express our thoughts and opinions in a respectful and appropriate manner. The Quran emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.

By adhering to the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, we can cultivate a culture of mindful and purposeful speech. We should refrain from engaging in idle gossip, spreading rumors, or speaking ill of others. Instead, we should use our tongues to promote goodness, spread knowledge, and engage in meaningful conversations that benefit ourselves and others.

The consequences of following this advice are manifold. By speaking words that are deserving of reward, we not only earn the pleasure of Allah, but we also contribute to the betterment of society. Our words have the power to inspire, uplift, and guide others towards the path of righteousness. Conversely, speaking without purpose or speaking ill of others can lead to division, misunderstandings, and harm.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense responsibility we have in using our tongues wisely. We should strive to emulate the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and eloquence. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to control our tongues and speak words that bring us closer to Him and benefit those around us.