Hadith #9552

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a powerful insight into the nature of a person who is prone to reproach and slander. He compares such an individual to someone whose tongue is sweet, like honey, but their heart is a prison for rancor and ill-will.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of the words used in this hadith. The word (reproached) "ذَمَّهُ" refers to the act of criticizing or finding fault with someone. The word (his tongue) "لِسانُهُ" signifies the speech and words that one uses. It is important to note that the tongue is a powerful tool that can be used for good or for evil, depending on the intentions and character of the individual.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the tongue of the one being reproached is like honey. Honey is known for its sweetness and pleasant taste. Similarly, the words spoken by this person may appear to be kind and gentle, creating an illusion of sincerity and goodness. However, the Imam warns us that this sweetness is merely superficial, masking the true nature of the individual.

The Imam then draws our attention to the heart of this person, describing it as a prison for rancor. The word (prison) "سِجْنٌ" signifies a place of confinement and restriction. Here, it symbolizes the heart being confined by feelings of hatred, animosity, and ill-will. Despite the honey-like words spoken by this person, their heart is filled with negativity and a deep-seated grudge.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12):

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions about others and refraining from backbiting and slander. It highlights the gravity of such actions by comparing them to consuming the flesh of one's own brother, which is repulsive and detestable. It reminds us to be cautious of the true intentions and character of individuals, even if their words may seem sweet.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse reminds us of the importance of refraining from ridiculing and insulting others. It cautions against forming negative judgments based on appearances or superficial qualities. It teaches us to look beyond the surface and recognize that someone who may be reproached by others could, in fact, be better in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening words serve as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant in their interactions with others. We should not be deceived by honey-like words that may mask a heart filled with rancor and ill-will. Instead, we should strive to emulate the qualities of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were known for their sincerity, integrity, and genuine love for humanity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern the true character of individuals and protect our hearts from harboring ill-will and animosity. May we strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example set by the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).