Hadith #8954

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) states,

None is careful of evil in his actions but he who is careful of evil in his speech.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of being cautious and mindful of the words we speak, as they have the power to either bring about good or cause harm.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (yattaqaa) "يَتَّقَى" is derived from the root word (taqwa) "تَقْوَى", which refers to the concept of God-consciousness and piety. It implies being aware of Allah's presence and striving to avoid anything that displeases Him. In this context, it signifies being cautious and mindful of the consequences of our actions.

The word (sharr) "شَّرَّ" refers to evil or harm. It encompasses any action or speech that brings about negativity, harm, or discord. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of being careful and cautious in our actions, ensuring that they do not lead to any harm or wrongdoing.

The Hadith draws our attention to the correlation between our actions and our speech. It emphasizes that those who are mindful of the evil in their actions are the ones who are also cautious of the evil in their speech. This connection highlights the significance of controlling our tongues and being mindful of the words we utter.

To further understand the importance of being careful in our speech, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

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 emphasizes the importance of speaking in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and promotes harmony among people. It warns against the influence of Satan, who seeks to create discord through our speech.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has gone astray from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that Allah is fully aware of our actions and speech. Therefore, it is crucial for us to be mindful of the words we choose, as they reflect our character and can have a lasting impact on ourselves and others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful in both their actions and speech. It highlights the importance of aligning our words with our actions, as they are interconnected. By being careful of evil in our speech, we can prevent harm and promote goodness in our interactions with others.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own behavior and strive to be individuals who are conscious of the consequences of our words. It reminds us that our speech has the power to either bring about positive change or cause harm. Therefore, let us strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and be mindful of the impact our words can have on ourselves and those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to speak with kindness, truth, and righteousness.