Hadith #8990

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

مَنْ لانَتْ كَلِمَتُهُ وَجَبَتْ مَحَبَّتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose speech is polite, loving him becomes unavoidable.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "لانَتْ" in the Hadith refers to speech that is characterized by politeness, kindness, and good manners. It signifies the importance of using gentle and respectful words when communicating with others. This is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the significance of good speech. 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.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that when one's speech is characterized by politeness, the love and affection of others towards that person becomes inevitable. This highlights the power of kind words in fostering strong relationships and creating a harmonious society. The Quran also emphasizes the importance of love and affection among Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

When we reflect upon this Hadith, we realize that our words have a profound impact on the hearts of others. Polite speech not only reflects our own character but also has the ability to soften the hearts of those who hear it. It creates an atmosphere of love, respect, and understanding. Conversely, harsh and disrespectful speech can lead to animosity, division, and the breakdown of relationships.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of using polite speech as a means to win the love and affection of others. When we speak kindly to others, we demonstrate our respect for their dignity and worth as human beings. This fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the power of polite speech in cultivating love and affection among Muslims. By choosing our words carefully and speaking with kindness, we can create an environment of harmony and unity. Let us strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make our speech a means of spreading love and goodwill among our fellow Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to speak with politeness and may He grant us His love and the love of His righteous servants.