Hadith #5846

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاوَقارَ كالصَّمْتِ۔" This can be translated into English as,

There is no reverence like silence.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (waqar) "وَقَارَ" in this Hadith refers to reverence, dignity, and honor. It signifies a state of being dignified and respected. On the other hand, the word (samt) "صَّمْتِ" means silence or quietness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that there is no greater way to display reverence and dignity than through silence.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that highlight the importance of silence and its connection to reverence. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 31:19)

And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys.

This verse teaches us the importance of speaking softly and avoiding unnecessary noise. By doing so, we demonstrate our respect and reverence for others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Muzzammil, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), (Quran 73:10)

And be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.

This verse highlights the importance of remaining silent and patient in the face of criticism or negative speech. It is through silence that we can maintain our dignity and respond with grace.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that silence is not merely the absence of speech, but a powerful tool for self-control and self-discipline. When we remain silent, we have the opportunity to reflect on our words and actions. We can avoid unnecessary arguments and conflicts by choosing silence over engaging in heated debates. This silence allows us to maintain our composure and respond with wisdom and tact.

Silence also holds the power to convey profound messages. It can speak volumes without uttering a single word. By choosing silence in certain situations, we can express our respect, humility, and reverence towards others. It is a way of acknowledging the importance of the moment and the presence of the Divine.

Moreover, silence allows us to listen attentively to others. It is through active listening that we can truly understand and empathize with others. By giving others the space to express themselves, we show them respect and honor their thoughts and feelings. This form of silence is a manifestation of reverence towards our fellow human beings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that there is no greater way to display reverence and dignity than through silence. The Quranic verses support this notion by emphasizing the importance of speaking softly, being patient in the face of criticism, and avoiding unnecessary noise. Silence allows us to reflect, maintain composure, and convey profound messages. It is through silence that we can truly honor and respect others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to practice silence in a manner that reflects our reverence and dignity as Muslims.