"Speak a good word or remain silent"

"Speak a good word or remain silent"

Abû Hurayrah relates that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his neighbor. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest." [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

The importance of this hadith:

This hadith discusses some of the ways a Muslim's faith should affect the way he relates to others. Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalânî writes: "This hadith speaks about three matters, and in doing so it brings together everything that good manners entail with respect to both word and deed."

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day…

This is a conditional sentence. It is repeated three times in this hadith, each time with a different condition. The first of these three conditions is to either speak a good word or remain silent, the second is to show hospitality to one's neighbors, and the third is to show hospitality to one's guests. This hadith is showing us that these three qualities are among the many qualities of faith. A person who fails to fulfill any of these conditions is a person whose faith is incomplete and in want of improvement.

Speaking a good word or remaining silent:

This is an encouragement to speak what is good and beneficial; at the same time it is a warning, cautioning us to be careful in what we say, lest we say something that is harmful or false.

It is part of a Muslim's faith to speak the truth and to say things that bring about benefit to others. Allah says: "O you who believe! Fear Allah and speak a word that is right. He will set right for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great achievement." [ Sûrah al-Ahzâb : 70-71]

Allah informs us in the Qur'ân some of what constitutes good in our speech and benefits other people. He says: "No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right, or bring reconciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking Allah's pleasure, then we shall grant him a great reward." [ Sûrah al-Nisâ' : 114]

When we have nothing beneficial to say, silence is golden. Once, Mu`âdh b. Jabal asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to inform him of some good work that would admit him into Paradise and distance him from the Hellfire. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned to him the virtues of many good deeds, then said: "Shall I inform you of the foundation of all of that?"

Mu`âdh said: "Certainly."

The Prophet (peace be upon him) took hold of his tongue and said: "Restrain yourself from this."

Mu`âdh then asked: "O Prophet of Allah! Are we held to task for the things that we say?"

The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "May your mother be bereaved of you, O Mu`âdh! Does anything topple people headlong into the Hellfire save the harvests of their tongues?" [ Sunan al-Tirmidhî and Sunan Ibn Mâjah ]

We should avoid speaking ill of others. We should rather remain silent unless we are seeking justice for some wrong that has been perpetrated against us. Allah says: "Allah does not like that evil should be mentioned in public except by one who has been done injustice. And Allah is all-hearing, all-knowing." [ Sûrah al-Nisâ' : 148]

Our tongues are like double-edges swords. They can work for us and against us, both in this world and the Hereafter. We will be held accountable for what we say. Allah tells us: "He does not utter a statement except that there is an observer by him ready to record it." [ Sûrah Qâf : 18]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed a servant will speak a word pleasing to Allah that he thinks to be insignificant, but because of it Allah raises him by many degrees. And indeed a servant will speak a word displeasing to Allah that he thinks to be insignificant, but because of it, He will consign him to the Hellfire." [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî ]

We must be vigilant not to speak falsehood. We must think about what we are saying and the possible consequences of our words before we go ahead and speak. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A man might speak a word without thinking about its implications, but because of it, he will plunge into the Hellfire further than the distance between the east and west." [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

Al-Nawawî comments on the meaning of this hadith, saying: "This hadith encourages us to guard our tongues. A person who wants to speak should think upon what he is about to say before he utters it. If it then shows itself to have some benefit to it, he may speak it; otherwise he should refrain from doing so."

Showing hospitality to the neighbor and the guest:

From the perfection of a person's faith is his showing kindness to those with whom he has dealings, especially his neighbors and his guests.

Allah says: "Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are conceited and boastful." [ Sûrah al-Nisâ' : 36]

Islam emphasizes the right of the neighbor. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Gabriel continued to impress upon me the rights of the neighbor until I thought that he would soon confer upon him the right of inheritance." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]

There are many forms that this hospitality can take. It can take the form of help in times of need. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "He is not a believer who lets himself be satiated while his neighbor goes hungry." [ Mustadrak al-Hâkim ]

It can mean making allowances for the neighbor's needs, even by waiving some of one's own rights. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "None of you should prevent his neighbor from placing his rafter in his wall." [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

It can take the form of gift giving. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "O Muslim women! None of you should consider insignificant a gift that you give to your neighbor, even if it is but the trotters of a sheep." [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

Islam teaches us to be generous and hospitable to those who come to us as guests. Indeed, those who come to our homes have a right over us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest according to his right."

He was asked: "What is his right, O Messenger of Allah?"

The Prophet (peace be upon him) answered: "It is (to offer the best) for a day and a night, and hospitality extends for three days. What is beyond that is charity." [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

Threads MERGED

Allaah the Most High says:

“Not a word does one utter, except that there is an (angel) Watching, Ready to record it.” [Surah Qaaf: 18]

Know that every individual who falls under the category of being responsible for his actions (mukallaf) must safeguard his tongue from all types of speech , except for that speech which consists primarily of some benefit.

So when speaking and refraining from speech are both found to contain the same amount of benefit within them, then the Sunnah is to refrain from it, altogether. This is because the allowable speech (equal in benefit and harm) paves the way towards that which is forbidden as well as disliked. Rather, in most cases, this will be the outcome and applying safety, at that point, will not be able to soothe it in the least.

Abu Hurairah (ra - may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam - may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"Whosoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, then let him speak good or remain silent."
[Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree]

This hadeeth, of which the scholars have agreed upon its authenticity, is a clear proof that one should not talk, unless his speech is good—and that is the speech that consists primarily of benefit. So if one has doubt as to whether or not his speech consists of benefit, then he should not speak. Imaam Ash-Shaafi'ee (rahimahullaah - may Allah have mercy upon him) said: "When one desires to talk, then it is upon him to think before he speaks. If there is beneficial good in what he will say, then he should speak. And if he has doubt about that, then he must not speak until he clears that doubt (by making his speech good)."

Abu Moosaa Al-Ash'aree (ra) said:

"I said: 'O Messenger of Allaah Which of the Muslims is best?' He (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said: 'He whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe from.'"
[Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Sahl Ibn Sa'ad (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

"Whosoever can guarantee for me (that he will safeguard) what is between his jaws (tongue) and what is between his legs (private parts), I will guarantee for him Paradise."
[Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree]


Abu Hurairah (ra) reported that he heard the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam)

say:

"Indeed, the servant will speak a word, while being unaware of (its consequences), and due to it, he will be cast into the Hellfire, farther than the distance between the east and the west."
[Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]

The meaning of "while being unaware" is that he does not stop to consider whether his speech is good or not.


Sufyaan Ibn 'Abdillaah (ra) reported that he said:

"O Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) , tell me of a matter that I may cling tightly onto.' He (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said: 'Say: I believe in Allaah and then remain steadfast (upon that).’ I said: 'O Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) , what is the most serious thing that I should fear for myself?' So he (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) took a hold of his tongue and said: 'This.'"
[An authentic hadeeth reported by At-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah and others]

'Uqbah Ibn 'Aamir (ra) reported:

"I said: 'O Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) , how does one attain salvation?' He said: 'Restrain your tongue, remain in your home and weep over your sins.'"
[An authentic hadeeth reported by Ibn Al-Mubaarak in Az-Zuhd and it has support in Ahmad]

Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudree (ra) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

“When the Son of Aadam wakes from his sleep, all of his body parts seek refuge from his tongue, saying: ‘Fear Allaah with regard to us, for indeed we are part of you. So if you are correct, then we will be correct and if you are corrupted, then we shall be corrupted.”
[A hasan hadeeth reported by At-Tirmidhee and others]

Any views inshalah...

MashAllah, enjoyed reading your thread sister!

There is much to be learnt from this article.

AsalamuAlaykum jazaks sis..nice article mashaAllah

Mashallah very benificial post may we all take head frm it Ameen

Ameen

Jazakallah khair A sister and brother Far7an.

InshaAllah we will take heed and think before we speak.

Threads merged.

that was excellent reminder bro jazakAllah khair for sharing it

ma'salamah

very tru and good reminder

Auzubillahi-Minash shaitwaanir rajeem. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

AsSalamOAlaikum WaRehmatuAllah WaBarkatuhu

Abû Hurayrah relates that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his neighbor. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest.”
[ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

The importance of this hadith:

This hadith discusses some of the ways a Muslim's faith should affect the way he relates to others. Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalânî writes: “This hadith speaks about three matters, and in doing so it brings together everything that good manners entail with respect to both word and deed.”

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day…

This is a conditional sentence. It is repeated three times in this hadith, each time with a different condition. The first of these three conditions is to either speak a good word or remain silent, the second is to show hospitality to one's neighbors, and the third is to show hospitality to one's guests. This hadith is showing us that these three qualities are among the many qualities of faith. A person who fails to fulfill any of these conditions is a person whose faith is incomplete and in want of improvement.

Speaking a good word or remaining silent:

This is an encouragement to speak what is good and beneficial; at the same time it is a warning, cautioning us to be careful in what we say, lest we say something that is harmful or false.

It is part of a Muslim's faith to speak the truth and to say things that bring about benefit to others. Allah says: “O you who believe! Fear Allah and speak a word that is right. He will set right for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great achievement.” [ Sûrah al-Ahzâb : 70-71]

Allah informs us in the Qur'ân some of what constitutes good in our speech and benefits other people. He says: “No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right, or bring reconciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking Allah's pleasure, then we shall grant him a great reward.” [ Sûrah al-Nisâ' : 114]

When we have nothing beneficial to say, silence is golden. Once, Mu`âdh b. Jabal asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to inform him of some good work that would admit him into Paradise and distance him from the Hellfire. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned to him the virtues of many good deeds, then said: “Shall I inform you of the foundation of all of that?”

Mu`âdh said: “Certainly.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) took hold of his tongue and said: “Restrain yourself from this.”

Mu`âdh then asked: “O Prophet of Allah! Are we held to task for the things that we say?”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “May your mother be bereaved of you, O Mu`âdh! Does anything topple people headlong into the Hellfire save the harvests of their tongues?” [ Sunan al-Tirmidhî and Sunan Ibn Mâjah ]

We should avoid speaking ill of others. We should rather remain silent unless we are seeking justice for some wrong that has been perpetrated against us. Allah says: “Allah does not like that evil should be mentioned in public except by one who has been done injustice. And Allah is all-hearing, all-knowing.” [ Sûrah al-Nisâ' : 148]

Our tongues are like double-edges swords. They can work for us and against us, both in this world and the Hereafter. We will be held accountable for what we say. Allah tells us: “He does not utter a statement except that there is an observer by him ready to record it.” [ Sûrah Qâf : 18]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed a servant will speak a word pleasing to Allah that he thinks to be insignificant, but because of it Allah raises him by many degrees. And indeed a servant will speak a word displeasing to Allah that he thinks to be insignificant, but because of it, He will consign him to the Hellfire.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî ]

We must be vigilant not to speak falsehood. We must think about what we are saying and the possible consequences of our words before we go ahead and speak. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A man might speak a word without thinking about its implications, but because of it, he will plunge into the Hellfire further than the distance between the east and west.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

Al-Nawawî comments on the meaning of this hadith, saying: “This hadith encourages us to guard our tongues. A person who wants to speak should think upon what he is about to say before he utters it. If it then shows itself to have some benefit to it, he may speak it; otherwise he should refrain from doing so.”

Showing hospitality to the neighbor and the guest:

From the perfection of a person's faith is his showing kindness to those with whom he has dealings, especially his neighbors and his guests.

Allah says: “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are conceited and boastful.” [ Sûrah al-Nisâ' : 36]

Islam emphasizes the right of the neighbor. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Gabriel continued to impress upon me the rights of the neighbor until I thought that he would soon confer upon him the right of inheritance.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]

There are many forms that this hospitality can take. It can take the form of help in times of need. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “He is not a believer who lets himself be satiated while his neighbor goes hungry.” [ Mustadrak al-Hâkim ]

It can mean making allowances for the neighbor's needs, even by waiving some of one's own rights. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “None of you should prevent his neighbor from placing his rafter in his wall.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

It can take the form of gift giving. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “O Muslim women! None of you should consider insignificant a gift that you give to your neighbor, even if it is but the trotters of a sheep.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

Islam teaches us to be generous and hospitable to those who come to us as guests. Indeed, those who come to our homes have a right over us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest according to his right.”

He was asked: “What is his right, O Messenger of Allah?”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) answered: “It is (to offer the best) for a day and a night, and hospitality extends for three days. What is beyond that is charity.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

...Source...

FiAmaaniAllah

good post