Guard your tongue (2)
If you really believe in Allah, then say good words or remain silent. Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say good words or else remain silent.” (Saheeh Muslims # 47) Commenting on this prophetic narration, Al-Imam An-Nawawi (RL) said in a long speech, “... and whenever speaking about an issue and remaining silent are the same, then it is Sunnah to stay silent.” (Refer to Ihya’aUloumud Deen 3/200
You may end up in the hellfire because of just one negative word. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said what can be translated as, “A servant of Allah may utter a word without thinking about its repercussions and, because of it, he will slip into the hellfire farther than the distance between the east and the west.” (Al-Bukhari # 6, 478 and Muslim # 2, 988)
Abdullah Bin Masoud (RA) used to warn his fellow bona-fide Companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and all those who believed in the Prophet (PBUH) saying, “I warn you against curiosity (about others) and excessive talking. It is enough for you to say only what communicates your message.” (See As-Samt by IbnAbi Ad-Dunya, page 241.)
A good word might raise you high in Paradise. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said what can be translated as, “A servant of Allah may utter a word that pleases Allah without deeming it of any significance due to which Allah will raise him high in rank (in Paradise). Conversely, another one might speak a word that displeases Allah without considering its dire consequences, and for that reason he will sink down into hell.” (Al-Bukhari # 6, 478)
If you are a sincere believer, by virtue of Allah’s grace, and then say a good word, among other deeds, you may be raised high in Paradise. A good word is also a form of charity. Don’t claim moral and religious authority to judge others: About this, Jundub bin Abdillah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) narrated what can be translated as: “A man said, ‘By Allah, Allah will not
forgive so-and-so.’ At this, Allah - the Almighty said, “Who is he that swears by Me that I will not forgive so-and-so? Verily, I have forgiven so-and-so and have rendered your good deeds null and void.” (Muslim # 2, 621)
So, never use your tongue to curse people, judge them, and slander them - or commit any sins of the tongue. Allah (SWT) is the Only One who can judge us. On another hand, avoid entertaining people with lies; making yourselves clowns, telling lies being driven by the urge of making people laugh. This is very dangerous. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned us of the evil consequences of that, especially if we die before we repent. He said what can be translated as: “Woe to him who tells lies when speaking to people in order to make them laugh! Woe to him, woe to him!” (Al-Albani rated it as Hasan. Refer to Saheeh At-Tirmidhi # 2, 315 - among others.)
Remember Allah (SWT) and mention Him constantly: Whenever you have free time, instead of gossiping, backbiting, and slandering people, praise and remember Allah (SWT). It is very meritorious and rewarding to remember and mention Allah (SWT) constantly, especially during this auspicious month of Ramadan. Your heart will grow calm by mentioning and remembering Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as: “Still those who disbelieve say, ‘If only a sign would be sent down to him from his Lord, then we would believe him!’ Say, “Indeed, Allah leaves to stray whomever He so wills. Yet He guides to Himself whoever turns to Him
in penitence.’ These are the ones who ‘truly’ believe and whose hearts grow calm at the remembrance of Allah. Most assuredly, it is by the remembrance of Allah that hearts grow calm.” (Ar-Raad 13: 27 - 28)
The tongue is a blessing that if used wisely, will benefit us both here on earth and in the Hereafter. Abdullah bin Busr (RA) narrated that a man approached Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, indeed, the legislated optional acts of worship in Islam are too much for me. So inform me of something to adhere to. He said, “Let not your tongue cease being moist with the mentioning and remembrance of Allah.” (Al-Albani rated it as Saheeh in Saheeh At-Targheeb # 1, 491.)
Finally, I would like to share with you an intriguing piece of information that I heard from a nutritionist. He said, “99 percent of our food choices are influenced by the tongue.” In other words, if your taste buds like the food, you will go ahead and eat it without considering whether it is nutritious or not. As such, you may end up contracting some preventable diseases due to your dietary habits. Therefore, not only is your tongue a double-edged sword in religious affairs, the same applies also to your mundane affairs. So, if you are wise, control your tongue and don’t let it control you. This Ramadan, consult a nutritionist to advise you on a healthy diet.