World Organization For Islamic Services (WOFIS)

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speech is between two bad qualities, namely: too much and too little; too much [of it] is babble and too little is inarticulateness and speechlessness.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speaking too much makes the wise one stumble and makes the tolerant one weary, therefore do not talk so much that others get fed up and do not be so reticent that you are humiliated.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speech is in your control as long as you have not uttered it, but once you utter it you become shackled by it.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speech is like medicine, a little of it is beneficial but too much of it can be fatal.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Reduce [your] speech and you will be safe from blame.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Reduce your speech and you will remain safe from censure.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

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

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Beware of excessive speech for indeed it increases errors and brings about weariness.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Beware of excessive [and impertinent] speech, for indeed it manifests your hidden flaws and provokes your silent enemies.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Beware of speech which is offensive, for indeed it confines you to [the company of] vile people and repels the honourable ones from you.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Beware of speaking about something whose way you are unfamiliar with and whose reality you are unaware of, for indeed your speech indicates your intellect, and your expression informs about your level of understanding, so limit your long tongue to that which keeps you safe, and make your speech concise to [the extent of] what is deemed good, for indeed this is more beautiful for you and more indicative of your merit.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

There is no benefit in speech without action.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The most veracious speech is that which conforms to the truth.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The best of utterances is that which is affirmed by action.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The people who most resemble the Prophets of Allah are those who speak the truth the most and are most patient in acting upon it.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The closest of servants to Allah, the Glorified, is one who speaks the truth even if it is against him and one who acts upon the truth even if there is something he dislikes in it.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

It is worse than inarticulateness for one to speak more than [what] is necessary.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The most accurate shot is speech that is prudent.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The best speech is that which is adorned by good arrangement and understood by [both] the elite and the general public.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The most conveying eloquent speech is that which is easily passed on [and understood] correctly and which is appropriately concise.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The most honourable speech is the truth.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The best speech is that which is not dismissed by the ears and is not difficult for the minds to comprehend.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Verily polite speech and the propagation of peace are forms of worship.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Indeed the preference of speech over action is a shortcoming, and the preference of action over speech is indeed a beauty and an adornment.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The practice of the wicked is [using] vulgar speech.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The one who listens to obscene speech is a partner of the speaker.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Bad speech degrades one's prestige and magnanimity.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Offensive speech degrades ones status and corrupts brotherhood.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The worst speech is that which contradicts itself.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The worst of narrations is one that has the most falsehood.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

I am amazed at the one who speaks about that which neither benefits him in this world nor for which reward is written for him in the Hereafter.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Eschew speaking about that which you do not know, and making statements about that which you are not responsible for, and hold yourself back from a path when you fear its deviation.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Many an utterance is hurtful.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Many an utterance is like a [sharp] sword.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Many an utterance has taken away a blessing.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Many a syllable has brought death.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Many an utterance is more severe than an assault.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Many a strife has been instigated by a word.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Many a speech is such that the [appropriate] reply for it is silence.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Many an utterance is such that silence is better than it.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

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

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Many a word is more piercing than an arrow.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Think and then speak, [for by this] you will remain safe from error.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speech may, at times, be harmful.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

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

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speaking less conceals shameful flaws and keeps one safe from missteps.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Reduce your speech and shorten your hopes.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

How many a war has been started by a single word.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

How many a word has taken away a blessing.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Too much talking makes the ear weary.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Excessive talking makes one's brothers fed up.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Excessive speech is such that its marginal issues are expanded and its meanings are reduced, so no end is seen for it and nobody benefits from it.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

For every statement there is a reply.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One who speaks less, his sins are less.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One whose speech is less, his fault is nullified.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One who speaks that which he ought not to, hears that which he does not like.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One who makes his speech prudent proves the abundance of his merit.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One whose speech is good, success is in front of him.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One whose speech is bad, his censure increases.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One whose speech is accompanied by modesty, corruption [and destruction] is removed from his action.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One who talks a lot increases his babble and one who jokes a lot increases his silliness.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One who does not make his speech appropriate (or is not able to bear [others'] speech) does not hear beautiful words.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One whose words are evil, his lot will be evil.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The place where speech is infixed is the heart, its repository is the mind, its strengthener is the intellect, its initiator is the tongue, its form is letters, its soul is [its] meaning, its adornment is [correct] syntax and its order is appositeness.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Never say anything the reply for which will hurt you.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not speak that which you fear others will consider a lie.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not speak of everything you know, for that is [itself] a sufficient ignorance.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not look at who has spoken, look at what he has said.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not say that which will make your burden [of sin] heavy.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not speak of that which you do not know, for indeed most of the truth lies in that which you do not know.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not relate to the people all that you hear, for this suffices as silliness (or foolishness).

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not contest all that the people relate to you, for this suffices as foolishness.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Never say that which conforms to your vain desire, even if you say it playfully or assume it to be idle talk, for many a playful talk may alienate a freeman from you and [many] an idle talk may bring evil [consequences] upon you.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Never speak when you cannot find an appropriate situation to speak.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Never debate except with one who is fair and never guide anyone but the seeker of guidance.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not talk so much that you annoy others and do not speak so less that you fall [in the eyes of others].

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Never say that which you do not do, for indeed you will never become free of the failure that attaches itself to you and the blame that you earn.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not say that which you do not know, for indeed Allah, the Glorified, has prescribed obligations upon all your body parts which He will use as proof against you.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Let not what people say about you dishearten you, for indeed if what they say is true then it is a sin whose punishment has been expedited and if it is not true then it is [as] a good deed that you have not performed [but has been recorded in your book of deeds].

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not be, in that which you mention, like the one who collects firewood at night or like the froth over the flood.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Do not say that which you do not know, thereby making others suspicious of your statements about what you do know.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

None is careful of evil in his actions but he who is careful of evil in his speech.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Good speech is not completed except by good action.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Words are the moulds of meanings.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The elocution of a man apprises of the strength of his heart.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speak and you will be known, for indeed a man is concealed under his tongue.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Beautiful speech is proof of abundant intelligence.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Preservation of that which is in the vessel is [achieved] by fastening the cover.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Deliberation [and carefulness] in speech saves one from faltering and error.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speaking the truth is better than inarticulateness and silence.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

If you would like to remain safe and conceal your faults, then reduce your speech and increase your silence, [by this] your thinking will abound, your heart will become illuminated and people will remain safe from you.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

I am more capable of turning away that which I haven't spoken than I am of taking back that which I have said.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Verily you are accountable for your speech, so do not say anything except [that which is] good.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The bane of transmission is distortion of the narration.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The bane of speech is lying.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The bane of speech is prolongation.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

When you speak, be truthful.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

When you relate [something], be truthful.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

When speech is reduced, accuracy is increased.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Be pleased with what you say if it is free from mistakes.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Reduce your speech and shorten your hopes, and do not say that which will earn you sin or will alienate a freeman from you.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Be cautious of every statement or action that will lead to the spoiling of your Hereafter and religion.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The best speech is that which is pertinent.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Be good in your speech, beautiful in your actions, for indeed the speech of a person is the evidence of his merit and his action is the symbol of his intellect.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The speech of a man is the measure of his intellect.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Your speech is recorded, forever to remain in your book of deeds, so make it about that which brings you closer [to Allah] and beware of uttering that which will destroy you.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

When the intellects decrease, impertinent speech increases.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

When you make your speech good, then make your action good also so that you can bring together excellent speech with virtuous benevolence.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

When the speech corresponds to the intention of the speaker, the listener accepts it but when it is against his intention, it does not take up a good position in his heart.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Through moderate [and unbiased] speech loftiness is affirmed.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Whoever speaks too much, others get fed up with him.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

When you are overcome by speech then be careful not to be overcome by silence.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

I am amazed at the one who speaks about that which, if it is related from him, will harm him and if it is not related from him, will not benefit him.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

For every situation there is an appropriate thing to say.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speech has some banes.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Speech will never be beneficial unless it is joined with action.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One who increases [his talk] makes others weary.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One whose speech is polite, loving him becomes unavoidable.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One whose speech is excessive, his lapses increase.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Whoever reviews his speech, his mistakes reduce.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One whose speech is excessive is never free from lapses.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

One who knows that he is accountable for his speech should shorten his speech.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The worst of speech is babble.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Excessive speech is annoying.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Deliberation in speech saves one from error.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The best speech is that which is neither boring [because of its length] nor too brief.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

The best speech is truth.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):

Eschew speech about that which does not concern you, and in situations that are inappropriate, for many a word has taken away a blessing and [many] an utterance has brought about bloodshed.

Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim

Hadith

Ethics Speech & Tongue SPEECH AND SPEAKING