Hadith #8913

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

رُبَّ حَرْب جُنِيَتْ مِنْ لَفْظَة۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

Many a war has been started because of a [single] word.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (harb) "حَرْب" means war or conflict. It refers to a state of hostility and confrontation between individuals, groups, or nations. The word (junyat) "جُنِيَتْ" is derived from the root word (jana) "جَنَا", which means to be born or to arise. In this context, it signifies the origin or cause of something. Lastly, the word (lafzah) "لَفْظَة" refers to a single word or utterance.

To comprehend the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before taking any action. It advises Muslims to be cautious and not to jump to conclusions based on hearsay or rumors.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 reminds us of the significance of seeking knowledge and refraining from engaging in matters that we have no understanding of. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of their words and actions, as they will be held accountable for them.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom contained within the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It highlights the immense power and impact of a single word. Often, conflicts and wars arise due to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or the misuse of words. A single word, spoken without thought or consideration, can ignite a fire of animosity and hostility that may lead to disastrous consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of choosing our words carefully. He urges Muslims to exercise restraint and to be mindful of the potential consequences of their speech. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and promote peace and harmony within our communities.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious in their interactions and to strive for effective communication. It teaches us to think before we speak, to seek knowledge and understanding, and to avoid spreading rumors or engaging in baseless arguments. By doing so, we can prevent the escalation of conflicts and contribute to a more peaceful and united society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significant impact of a single word and its potential to ignite conflicts and wars. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which urge Muslims to seek knowledge, verify information, and exercise restraint in their speech. By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing our words wisely and grant us the wisdom to promote peace and understanding among all Muslims.