Book Name:Faizan e Imam Shafi
Mufti Aḥmad Yār Khān Naʿīmi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه comments on this hadith:
This means whosoever protects his tongue from lying, backbiting and impermissible matters, and protects himself from immorality (the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has guaranteed Paradise for him).
The renowned mufti further states: “It is apparent that such a Muslim (who protects his tongue and private parts) is a pious believer. Remember! Approximately 80% of sins are committed with the tongue.”[1]
O devotees of the Messenger! The tongue is an important part of our body. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has guaranteed Paradise to the one who protects his tongue and private parts from sin, and the guarantee of the beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم is the guarantee of Allah.
Useless speech makes you a slave
Imam Shāfiʿi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه once said to his friend, Sayyidunā Rabīʿ رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, “O Rabīʿ! Do not engage in useless conversation. When you have said something, it will become like a ruler over you, and you its slave.”[2]
Imam Shāfiʿi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه also said, “Before you speak, think over what you shall say. Speak if you see benefit, and if you fall into uncertainty (as to whether speaking is better or remaining silent), then remain silent.”[3]
May Allah grant us the ability to be cautious when using our tongues.
اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صلَّی اللہ عَلَیْہِ واٰلہٖ وسلَّم