It is particularly important for us to control our tongue in these situations, as it can lead us to committing many sins. It can lead us to speaking harsh words and backbiting, which will be a cause of disgrace on the Day of Judgement. This is why Imam Abu Hanifa رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه would protect his tongue and talk very little.

Sayyiduna Shareek رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states, “Imam Abu Hanifa رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه would remain silent most of the time. Despite being extremely intelligent and an authority in Fiqh, he avoided arguments and debates.”

 Sayyiduna Ibn Mubarak رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states:

I once visited Sayyiduna Sufyan Thawri رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه and said, “Imam Abu Hanifa رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه is so distant from the act of backbiting that I have never heard him backbite about his enemies.” Sayyiduna Sufyan Thawri رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه replied, “By Allah! He was very clever in this regard. He would never perform an action that would necessitate the transfer of his deeds to someone else.”^[1]

Sayyiduna Dumayrah رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states:

There is no dispute amongst the people that Imam Abu Hanifa رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه would always tell the truth and never speak of anyone in a bad manner. On one occasion, he رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was told that people speak ill of him and was asked why he did not respond to them. Imam Abu Hanifa رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه replied, “[My patience upon their criticism] is a bounty of Allah. He grants it to whomever He wills.”

Sayyiduna Bukayr bin M’aruf رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states, “I have not seen anyone in the Ummah of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم with a better character than Imam Abu Hanifa رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه.”^[2]