The tongue is a potent gift from Allah c, through which we enter into the fold of Islam and can also leave the fold of Islam. So powerful can be the influence of the tongue that the result of its movement can bear consequences for the rest of the body. The Qur’an provides us with excellent guidance on how to utilise the tongue in a good manner, and I would like to share some of these advices with you. Allah c tells us in the Quran, in Surah Qaaf (v18): ‘Not a single word is uttered by one but there is a watcher near him, ready (to record)’. This verse is extremely clear and teaches us to take guard against our tongues, for every word of ours is written down. Consider this example. If a person today gets into trouble with the law and is arrested by police, he will be told: ‘anything you say may be held against you’. Then, if he is asked to answer regarding his crime he may remain silent or respond by asking for a lawyer. He will ensure that he controls his tongue to refrain from landing any form of penalty or prison sentence. One will go to great lengths to avoid this punishment. Do we then fail to control our speech fearless of being penalised in the court of Allah on the day of reckoning; a penalty that can drag one into the hell fire for eternity? Allah c advises us to make our speech upright, full of dignity, truthfulness and justice; He c says in Suratul Ahzaab (v70-71): ‘O you who believe, fear Allah, and speak in straightforward words. (If you do so) Allah will correct your deeds for your benefit, and forgive your sins for you.’ Again these beautiful verses could not be clearer in their command of speaking the
embodiment of purity and honour and her voice should reflect this.
clear truth; the result of which is the acceptance of our deeds and forgiveness of sins. With regards to lying, so much has been written about this evil trait that a whole publication can be made on it. Among the major sins, lying is one which Allah c has prohibited many a time in the Qur’an. Allah c also writes about those whose speech is contrary to their actions in Surah Saff (v2-3): ‘O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? Most Hateful it is to Allah that you say what you do not do.’ There is a stern warning here against those who engage in hypocrisy, therefore our words must personify our actions. May Allah c protect us from such sins, ameen. Another key lesson on speaking is in Surah Kahf (v23-24): ‘And never say about anything, “I will do this tomorrow,” Unless (you say - ‘if) Allah wills.’ We learn here that a Muslim’s speech should also be an expression of his dependence on the creator. Truly nothing in this world occurs without the will of Allah c therefore when intending an action, small or big, say insha‘Allah. For our beloved sisters in Islam, Allah c tells them not to beautify their voices in the presence of strange men. Allah c says in Suratul Ahzab (v32): ‘So, do not be too soft in your speech, lest someone having disease in his heart should develop fancies (about you); and do speak with appropriate words.’ Our sisters are to take a central lesson from here. Be polite but at the same time do not utter words that are provocative. A Muslim woman is the -3-
Allah c also teaches us the etiquettes of conversing with our parents. In Suratul Isra’ (v23) Allah c says: ‘Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and do good to parents. If any one of them or both of them reach old age, do not say to them: uff (a word or expression of anger or contempt).’ How beautiful are the teachings of Islam. When parent’s command their children for something, there should be no sign of disobedience at all, not in their actions and neither in their tone of voice. Further in this verse Allah c says: “Walaa Tanhar-humaa”- ‘and do not scold them.’ Don’t be repulsive, quick to answer back or shout at them as this can have major repercussions and remember that Allah c has brought you into existence through them. And this verse is completed with: “Waqul-lahumaa Qawlan Kareemaa”- ‘and address them with respectful words.’ May Allah c grant us the ability to respect and serve our parents in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an. In conclusion, we have seen in this brief discourse that the tongue is a doubleedged sword. It has the ability to incur sin but it also has the ability to increase a person’s reward. To earn this reward one must train and control the tongue. We must speak less and contemplate before we speak. Speak only the truth, with politeness and wisdom. I leave you with the following statement of Allah c in Surah Ibrahim (v27): ‘Allah keeps the believers firm with the stable word in the worldly life and in the Hereafter.’ Speak the truth and Allah c guarantees that he will inspire you with the most valuable statement at the time of death: Laa ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah