Main Topic
The lecture focuses on the paramount importance of guarding the tongue, detailing how speech impacts one's spiritual well-being, the recording of deeds, and the necessity of abstaining from sins of speech like backbiting and swearing.
Key Lessons
- Every morning, the limbs of the body humble themselves before the tongue and remind it to fear Allah, as their state relies directly upon the rectitude of the tongue.
- A person is defined by two small organs: the heart and the tongue. The tongue translates the inner state of the heart.
- Unlike other physical limbs that tire and have limits, the tongue never tires; Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala endowed it with this endurance for abundant Dhikr.
- A single word pleasing to Allah can secure His eternal pleasure, while a single reckless word earning His anger can result in His prolonged displeasure.
- Polluting the tongue through swearing, lying, and backbiting (gheebah) destroys good deeds, rendering abundant worship spoiled like a clean bed contaminated by filth.
- Modern forms of communication, such as continuous chatting and messaging on smartphones, are extensions of speech and require equal restraint.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Hadith of Sayyidina Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (Radiyallahu Anhu) regarding the daily plea of the limbs to the tongue: "Fear Allah concerning us..."
- Hadith of Sayyidina Bilal ibn al-Harith (Radiyallahu Anhu) and Hadhrat Alqamah regarding a person uttering a word of Allah's pleasure or displeasure.
- Reference to the Ayah indicating that every single utterance of man is monitored and recorded by an observer (Surah Qaf, 50:18).
- Example of Imam al-Shafi'i (Rahimahullah) completing sixty recitations of the Holy Quran in Ramadan.
Practical Advice
- Pause and contemplate before speaking: reflect on whether the statement is necessary and consider the manner in which it will be conveyed.
- Refrain completely from foul language, insults, and swearing—especially in casual, everyday conversation.
- Adopt the spiritual principle of speaking less (qillat al-kalam), extending this mindfulness to texting and social media usage.
- Keep the tongue continuously moist with the Dhikr of Allah and the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb