A person’s tongue (speech) can give you the taste of his heart.
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
EVERY organ of the human body is valuable but the tongue, through which we speak, is the most important in the whole scheme of our relationship with the society around us.
It is a medium through which we interact with the outside world. We converse with others and form opinions regarding their character, rectitude, trustworthiness, seriousness, pretentiousness etc.
Similarly, in every vocation one can be successful through the proper use of words. One can leave a lasting imprint of his or her personality on others through the decent use of words.
Yet not all people are successful in society and many face difficulties in dealing with others. Among the reasons for this may be the rough use of words. If one’s speech is filled with invective, it not only creates hatred and hostility in society but also displeases Allah. Therefore, Islam is quite particular in asking believers to be extra conscious while using language.
The Quran says,
“O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him and speak (always) the truth” (33:70).
At another place Allah says that,
“On the day when their tongues, their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do” (24:24).
It is said that an injury by a sword can be healed, yet an injury inflicted by words remains incurable.
The tongue can break a heart, while it can also console a broken heart. It can establish peace, create friends, impact others, win hearts and minds and also leave long-lasting memories in others’ hearts.
Conversely, the tongue, if used negatively, can hurt people, create foes, establish animosity and above all destroy the peace of society. Therefore, all world religions, including Islam, urge us to be aware of our language.
Islam, being a religion of peace, is very emphatic that one should be mindful of his or her daily utterances. It even declares in the Quran that-
“Kind words (spoken) and forgiving of faults are better than sadaqa (charity)….” (2:263).
The human being is the crown of creation, endowed with intellect. He is usually called a speaking animal as he can speak his mind and thoughts through his tongue. Every word spoken or written consciously or unconsciously has a tremendous impact.
This is a distinctive feature that marks us out from all other species.
The Holy Quran refers to the covenant made with the Children of Israel. Among the conditions set forth include the use of the tongue. For example the holy book says,
“…Speak good to people….” (2:83).
When Prophet Musa (PBUH) was ordered to visit Pharaoh, he was directed to “Speak to him mildly; perhaps he may accept admonition…” (20:44).
The power of speech is often underestimated. Words have the ability to shape our thoughts and emotions, and can leave a lasting impact on those who hear them. In Islam, the importance of controlling our speech and using it for good is emphasized through various verses in the Quran and Hadith.
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) says,
“Not a word does one utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)” (50:18).
This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of our words and recognizing that everything we say is being recorded. It also emphasizes the idea that words have consequences, and we will be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“The believer does not slander, curse, or speak in an obscene or foul manner” (Tirmidhi).
This hadith highlights the importance of using our speech for good and avoiding negative or hurtful language. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said,
“A good word is charity” (Bukhari), emphasizing the power of kind words and their ability to benefit others.
The Quran says,
“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” (49:12).
This verse highlights the importance of avoiding backbiting and gossip, as they can harm others and reflect negatively on our own character. It also emphasizes the idea that our speech should be used to benefit others, not to harm them.
A person’s speech is seen as a reflection of their inner state. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“If you want to know the state of your heart, then look at your tongue” (Tirmidhi).
This hadith emphasizes that our speech can give insight into our thoughts, emotions, and intentions. A person who speaks kindly and respectfully is likely to have a good heart, while someone who speaks negatively or hurtfully may have a troubled heart.
The Quran says,
“Say [to the believing men that] they should lower their gaze and guard their chastity; that will make for greater purity for them. And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, or their brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments” (24:30–31).
This verse highlights the importance of using our speech in a modest and respectful manner, reflecting the modesty and dignity that is expected of Muslims.
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of controlling our speech and using it for good. Our words have consequences and can reflect the state of our hearts. We should strive to use our speech to benefit others, avoid negative or hurtful language, and reflect the modesty and dignity that is expected of Muslims. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“The best of you are those who are best in speech” (Bukhari).
