AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): In the third episode of the television program aired on IRIB Channel One on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani continued discussing the characteristics of a religious brother as described by Imam Ali (a.s.). “One of these characteristics is silence. In Hikmah 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s.) refers to the traits of his religious brother. Some of these characteristics were mentioned in previous sessions. Another trait that Imam Ali (a.s.) described regarding his religious brother is that he would choose silence most of the time. Imam Ali (a.s.) stated in this Hikmah: “وَ کَانَ أَکْثَرَ دَهْرِهِ صَامِتاً” (And most of his life, he remained silent).”
He added that it is essential for a person to determine how he should interact with others. “Should a person always express whatever comes to his mind? Or should he train his tongue? Striving to discipline all of one’s faculties is of great importance. People are not permitted to say whatever they wish or to see and hear whatever they desire. Instead, a person must choose what is right in both speech and behavior. “مَنْطِقُهُمُ الصَّوَابُ” (“Their speech is righteous”), is the phrase that Imam Ali (a.s.) mentioned in the Sermon of the Pious.”
Regarding key points about speech, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “A person must speak correctly, thoughtfully, and logically. It is not appropriate to say whatever comes to his mind. If a person has nothing meaningful to say, what necessity is there for him to speak? In such situations, it is better to remain silent. Sometimes, you encounter individuals who, if you sit with them for an hour, they speak for fifty-five minutes and do not allow you to talk. Meanwhile, much of what they say is of no benefit, and within those fifty-five minutes, there is not even a single minute of meaningful conversation. However, when a person is in the presence of someone knowledgeable, such as a religious scholar, a doctor, or an engineer who is well-informed on a subject, they should benefit from their knowledge (remain silent, allow them to speak, and listen attentively.)”
Regarding the concepts in Hikmah 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “Some individuals choose silence when there is no necessity for speaking. In Hikmah 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s.) mentions two characteristics of such individuals: their silence is not due to an inability to speak; rather, if they do speak, they convince and calm everyone. Imam Ali (a.s.) beautifully highlights two points in this Hikmah. Regarding his religious brother, he said, “فَإِنْ قَالَ بَذَّ الْقَائِلِینَ” (If he speaks, he surpasses all other speakers). When he speaks, others fall silent because they realize how spiritually and intellectually profound his words are. At times, it is as though his words bring healing, and people feel how his speech instills peace, speaks to their hearts and minds, and with his words answers their needs and inner questions.”
He continued, “There have been individuals who, when speaking, while pointing to the problems of the addressees, provided solutions. Once, I had the honor of meeting a great scholar, and we exchanged only a few words. However, when he started to speak, we requested that he share his knowledge so we could benefit from it. As he spoke, one could feel a deep sense of tranquility. He advised me, ‘Ask questions from those who possess knowledge). “فَسْئَلُوا أَهْلَ اَلذِّکْرِ إِنْ کُنْتُمْ لا تَعْلَمُونَ” (So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.) (Holy Quran, 16: 43)”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly added, “In the Hadiths, we are instructed to ask questions from scholars, ‘سائِلِ العُلماءَ’ (Question the scholars), and to associate with the wise, ‘خَالِطِ الحُکَماءَ’ (Engage with the wise). These practices contribute to the growth of knowledge, understanding, and awareness of one’s responsibilities. Therefore, Imam Ali (a.s.) described a religious brother as someone who embraces silence when speaking is unnecessary. However, when they feel all conditions are met, they seize the opportunity to speak.”
Ayatollah Ramazani described Imam Ali’s (a.s.) words about the silence and speech of a religious brother as both precise and profound. “In Hikmah 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s.) stated about his religious brother, “فَإِنْ قَالَ بَذَّ الْقَائِلِینَ وَ نَقَعَ غَلِیلَ السَّائِلِینَ” (If he speaks, he surpasses all other speakers and quenches the thirst of those who seek knowledge.) This implies that within human nature, there is a thirst for listening. The Almighty God has given humans one tongue and two ears so that they may listen more and speak less. If speaking were meant to be more significant, God would have created two tongues and one ear instead.”
Emphasizing the importance of speaking at the right time and in the right manner, he said, “A person should view speech as a responsibility, speaking only when necessary and in its proper place. If speaking is required, one should do so; otherwise, a seeker of truth and a person guided by the Quran will prefer silence. This is because wise silence opens fountains of wisdom within a person. The late Mirza Ali Aqa Qazi, in a story narrated to the late Grand Ayatollah Bahjat, ultimately advised him to embrace silence. Through his silence, Grand Ayatollah Bahjat attained many spiritual ranks.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly emphasized, “In some situations, silence holds greater value for an individual, providing the means for divine blessings and a deeper understanding of realities. However, where necessary, one must speak, guide, and offer counsel; especially in moments that call for guidance, assistance, and support.”
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