Hadith #8917

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Speaking less hides [one’s] faults and decreases [one’s] sins.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and the impact it has on our spiritual well-being.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qillatu) "قِلَّةُ" means "less" or "few." It implies moderation and restraint in speech. (alkalam) "الكَلامِ" refers to speech or words. (yasturu) "يَسْتُرُ" means "hides" or "conceals," and (al-'uyub) "الْعُيُوبَ" refers to faults or shortcomings. Finally, (yuqallilu) "يُقَلِّلُ" means "decreases" or "diminishes," and (adh-dhunub) "الذُّنُوبَ" refers to sins.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can 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 highlights the importance of speaking in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to others. By speaking less, we reduce the chances of falling into the trap of Satan, who seeks to create discord and division among people.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two-thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of moderation in worship and the recognition that Allah does not burden us beyond our capabilities. Similarly, in our speech, we should strive for moderation and avoid excessive talking, as it can lead to sins and faults.

The consequences of speaking less are manifold. Firstly, it helps us avoid falling into the sin of backbiting or gossiping. 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.

By speaking less, we reduce the chances of engaging in harmful speech that can damage relationships and create animosity among Muslims.

Secondly, speaking less allows us to focus on the remembrance of Allah and the recitation of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205),

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

By reducing our speech, we create more opportunities for the remembrance of Allah and the recitation of His words, which in turn strengthens our connection with Him.

Lastly, speaking less cultivates wisdom and thoughtfulness in our words. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Luqman (31:19),

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

By speaking less, we can choose our words carefully, ensuring that they are meaningful, respectful, and impactful. This not only reflects our knowledge and understanding but also earns the respect and admiration of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of speaking less, which not only hides our faults and decreases our sins but also leads to numerous spiritual and social benefits. By controlling our speech, we can avoid backbiting, focus on the remembrance of Allah, and cultivate wisdom in our words. Let us strive to implement this teaching in our lives and seek the pleasure of Allah through our speech. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to speak with wisdom and restraint.