We live in quite an interesting era, where we have at our fingertips the ability to communicate whenever we want and as much as we want – without control or reflection. Much of the time, however, it is without significance or meaning.
Take the following example: reflect and ask yourself, “What value can I recall from the words I spoke just one week ago?” Most likely, we would struggle to recall much beyond our habitual habits.
So, it got me thinking: what guidance exists to help us navigate the noise around us?
Looking through the works of Imam Al-Ghazali on this topic and found that he explores it in his Ihya Ulum Al-Din, under the chapter: Kitab Afat al-Lisan (The book on the Afflictions of the Tongue). He discusses the virtue of silence, citing some of the following statements of the Prophet ﷺ:
Uqbah ibn Amir reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, what will save us?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Restrain your tongue, let your house be enough for you, and weep over your sins.”
(Tirmidhi 2406)
Abdullah ibn Masud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Most of the sins of the children of Adam are from their tongues.”
(Ṭabarani 10446)
Imam Al-Ghazali then provides commentary, stating:
‘There are numerous afflictions, and they are all close to the tongue, which never tires of them. Those engage in them rarely manages to restrain their tongues – using them only for what is beneficial and avoiding what is harmful. Therefore, engaging in speech carries risk, whilst in silence lies safety.’
What becomes clear – from both the words of the Prophet ﷺ and the analysis of Al-Ghazali – is that speech isn’t neutral. What I mean by this, is that its either a source of reward or a burden. Words carry weight. And in today’s world, where we are constantly encouraged to express ourselves – tweets, posts, opinions, updates – this becomes even more relevant.
Afflictions such as lying, backbiting, slander, argumentation, distortion are just a few of those mentioned by Al-Ghazali.
We often hear the phrase, ‘It’s just words’. A dangerous illusion as they leave an impact on us, and others, and they will ultimately become part of what we are held accountable on the day of Judgement. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.”
(Bukhari 6136)
Silence allows space for reflection and self-awareness – but only when we are approach it with consciousness and intention rather than a passive habit. The absence of speech is not the goal. Rather, it is the intentional act of restraint – especially in moments of anger or impulse – that leads a person to wisdom in how they use their tongue.
I’ll end with a statement found in Kitab al-Samt wa Adab al-Lisan (The book of Silence and Etiquettes of the Tongue) is the statement of Ibrahim al-Nakhai:
“They used to sit together, and the one who was the longest in silence was the best among them.”
Ilhaam Institute 
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