Hadith #8879

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of offensive speech, stating,

Beware of offensive speech for indeed it fills the hearts with spite [and hatred].

This profound statement emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and being mindful of the words we utter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (mustahjana) "مُسْتَهْجَنَ" refers to offensive or derogatory speech. It encompasses any form of speech that is hurtful, disrespectful, or demeaning towards others. This includes insults, mockery, backbiting, slander, and any other form of verbal abuse.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us to be cautious of such speech because it has a profound impact on the hearts. The word (yughiru) "يُوغِرُ" used in the Hadith means to fill or overwhelm. Offensive speech has the power to fill the hearts with negative emotions such as spite, hatred, and animosity. It creates a toxic environment and damages relationships, both between individuals and within communities.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good speech and warns against the consequences of offensive speech. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah 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 highlights the prohibition of ridiculing, insulting, and using offensive nicknames. It reminds us that such behavior is not befitting of a believer and goes against the principles of faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us that engaging in offensive speech is a form of disobedience and brings about wretchedness.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us,

And 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 highlights the prohibition of backbiting, which is a form of offensive speech. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) compares backbiting to consuming the flesh of a dead brother, emphasizing its repulsiveness. It is a powerful metaphor that evokes a sense of disgust and reminds us of the severity of this sin.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses, we can understand the profound consequences of offensive speech. It not only harms the individual being targeted but also pollutes the hearts of those who engage in it. It creates divisions, fosters animosity, and weakens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

Therefore, as Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to be mindful of our speech and to strive towards using words that are kind, respectful, and uplifting. We should avoid offensive speech, backbiting, and any form of verbal abuse. Instead, let us follow the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were known for their impeccable manners and gentle speech.

By doing so, we can create an atmosphere of love, unity, and compassion within our communities, and we can fulfill the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to speak with kindness and respect. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in guarding our tongues and purifying our hearts from offensive speech.