If one’s Iman (faith) is to remain safe (Salamat), their tongue must remain safe.
Most afflictions and hardships are caused by the tongue. In places where a response is entirely unnecessary, we tend to employ our tongue just to display the strength of our intellect. Approaching others to answer something that was never asked of us falls under the category of futile speech.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Remain silent. It drives away the Shaitan and aids you in the matters of your religion.”
— Ahmad
If a person does not keep their tongue under control, it becomes like a rope caught in the hands of Shaitan. Once a person hands over their tongue to Shaitan, he will twist, alter, and make them speak in whichever direction he desires. The sins and disastrous consequences resulting from this will only affect that person.
The Incident of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)
Once, a man insulted Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) in a gathering where the Prophet (ﷺ) was seated. As the man kept on insulting him, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) remained patient and silent. Seeing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) was pleased and smiled.
However, as the man intensified his insults, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) eventually replied to a few of his words. Becoming upset by this, the Prophet (ﷺ) stood up and left the gathering.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) followed the Prophet (ﷺ) and asked, “O Messenger of Allah! You remained seated as long as he was insulting me. But when I began to reply to a few of his words, you became displeased and left. Why?”
To this, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
“As long as you remained silent and patient, an angel was with you, replying on your behalf. But the moment you replied to a few of his words, (the angel left and) Shaitan arrived. I do not sit with Shaitan.”
Divine Guidance and Companion Counsel
Allah states in the Quran:
وَقُل لِّعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ
“And tell My servants to say that which is best.”
— Surah Bani Isra’il: 53
The Prophet (ﷺ) also stated that a person’s Islam is excellent and complete when he leaves alone that which does not concern him (things that are unnecessary for him).
The Companion Ibn Abbas (ra) said:
“Do not engage in speech that lacks goodness, for it will lead you to sins.”
Restlessness and humiliation will surely overtake those who do not know how to keep their tongue under control.