A wise king once asked his cook to prepare a dish using the best part of an animal. The cook served the king a dish made from the tongue, explaining that the tongue is the source of kind words, truth, and wisdom, which can bring people together and create harmony.

Intrigued, the king then asked the cook to prepare a dish using the worst part of the animal. To the king’s surprise, the cook served the tongue once again. This time, the cook explained that the tongue can also be the source of lies, slander, and hurtful words, which can cause division and suffering.

This means that our tongue, or our words, can be the best or worst part of us, depending on how we choose to use them.

How often do we say things that we wish we could take back? While we are careful in watching the movement of our breath in meditation, how often are we attentive in watching the words coming out of our mouth? How often do we neglect the essential aspect of spiritual practice – ”guarding the tongue.” Boneless, the lips and tongue are soft; yet, they can be razor-sharp. As Zen teacher Robert Aitken has said, “More people get hurt by gossip than by guns.”

Allah, the Almighty, says in the Holy Qur’an: ‘O believers! Avoid much suspicion, for indeed, some suspicions are sinful. And do not spy, nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of your dead brother? You would despise that! And fear Allah. Surely Allah is the Acceptor of Repentance, Most Merciful.’ (Qur’an, 49:12)

You don’t need dual degrees to understand and experience the effects of careless speech. The consequences are often immediate and noticeable in your body. When you say something unkind or perhaps tell a lie, you might feel your heart racing, your stomach fluttering, or your throat tightening. We don’t have to nearly freeze to death to maintain our spiritual aspirations, but we do need to make certain fundamental commitments to reap the benefits of our practice. In every religious tradition, you’ll find guidance on the importance of good speech.

On the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent.” — Muslim

One of the most dangerous and common problems is that we often feel compelled to speak, even when we have nothing good to say. As a result, we speak carelessly, forgetting that we will be held accountable for our words. As Allah warns in the Qur’an:

“Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready to record it.” (Qur’an, 50:18)

And the record of deeds will be laid ˹open˺, and you will see the wicked in fear of what is ˹written˺ in it. They will cry, “Woe to us! What kind of record is this that does not leave any sin, small or large, unlisted?” They will find whatever they did present before them. And your Lord will never wrong anyone. (Qur’an, 18:49)

Abdullah Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised against speaking excessively without remembering Allah. He said that talking too much can harden the heart, and a hardened heart is far from Allah. — Tirmidhi

Actions to Avoid to Protect Yourself from the Calamity of Your Own Words:

• Backbiting (speaking maliciously about someone who is not present) even if it’s the truth.
• Gossiping (engaging in idle talk or rumours, especially about the personal or private affairs of others).
• Slandering (making false and damaging statements about someone).
• Spreading rumours.
• Lying.
• Idle and excessive talk with no benefit.

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When the son of Adam gets up in the morning, all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say: ‘Fear Allah for our sake because we are with you; if you are straight, we will be straight; and if you are crooked, we will become crooked.’” (Tirmidhi)

Ways to Control Yourself:

• Think before you speak because a guardian angel records every word you utter.
• Seek forgiveness from Allah when you fall short, both for yourself and for the one you’ve wronged with your tongue.
• Engage in the remembrance of Allah as often as you can.
• Control what you see and share on social media. There are too many lies out there.
• Remember the consequences of a loose tongue. It can lead some to be dragged by their faces into the Fire.
• Surround yourself with good friends and companions.

Before speaking to someone, apply the triple filter test: Is what I am going to say true? Is it useful to the person I am sharing it with? Is it a good piece of information?

As you reflect on the power of your words, let today be the day you commit to speaking with purpose and positivity. Your words are not just fleeting sounds—they shape your thoughts, actions, and destiny. By aligning your speech with the wisdom of the Qur’an, you not only cleanse your mind of negativity but also draw closer to the path of righteousness.

Embrace the practice of reciting the Qur’an, allowing its divine words to guide your thoughts and actions. As Allah instructs, “Recite as much of the Qur’an as is feasible” (Qur’an, 73:20), and “Recite the Qur’an in a measured tone”(Qur’an, 73:4). By doing so, you empower yourself to break free from negative patterns and step into the abundant, spiritually fulfilling life that awaits you.