The Tongue and Its Evils

The Tongue and Its Evils Allah (SWT) the Exalted said in Noble Qur'an: "There is no good in most of their secret counsels except ...

The Tongue and Its Evils Allah (SWT) the Exalted said in Noble Qur'an: "There is no good in most of their secret counsels except (in his) who enjoins charity or goodness or reconciliation between people and whoever does this seeking Allah's pleasure, We will give him a mighty reward." [Sura An-Nisa 4:114] Imam Sajjad (as) says in Risalat Al-Huquq (Treatise On Rights): And the right of the tongue is that you consider it too noble for obscenity, accustom it to good, direct it to politeness, do not use it except in situations of needs and benefits of the religion and this world. As well as refraining from any meddling in which there is little to be gained. There is no security from its harm that accompanies its small benefits. It is the witness to and the evidence of the existence of the intellect. The demonstration of an intelligent person's intellect is through their reputation of good speech. There is no power but in Allah (SWT) the High, the Great. Undoubtedly, our tongue is one of our greatest blessings. The tongue with the ability to speak is a gift that Allah (SWT) has bestowed on man in His creation. This has been stated in the following verse in Noble Qur'an: "He has created man: He has taught him speech (and intelligence)." [Sura Rahman 55:3-4] However, not everyone appreciates this gift. These days, our gatherings are filled with unrestrained conversations that consist of useless or even harmful talk. In Arabic, speech has been defined as "uncovering" an object. Our tongue expresses our inner thoughts and feelings. Our speech uncovers our inner thoughts and expresses what we think. If it was not for our ability to speak, we would communicate like animals. There would be no more discussing, explaining and understanding amongst men. Using speech as a means getting to know others: There are various ways to get to know each person. One of way is through speech. Each person introduces his own personality when they speak. Our dialogue clearly expresses our inner purity or wickedness. One can tell whether you are a good or a corrupt person through your speech. The tongue will unveil the curtain and display our real character. Meaning speech reflects our thoughts and mentality as well as how morality or its opposite is spread through society. The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Affliction caused by the tongue is worse than (that caused by) the strike of the blade of a sword." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 71, p. 286 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Among all things, the tongue deserves to be prisoned longer than anything else." (Because most of our sins are committed by it, such as backbiting, telling lies, defaming, mocking, insulting, etc.)Bihar-uI-Anwar vol. 71, p. 277 Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "Do contemplate before speaking so that you may guard yourself from (committing) errs."Ghurar-uI-Hikam, p. 228 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The destruction of man lies in three (things): his stomach, his lusts, and his tongue."Waqayi'-ul-'Ayyam, p. 297 Imam Baqir, the fifth Imam, [a] said: "No one is safe from sins unless the one controls his/her tongue."Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 178

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