“Indeed there is a piece of flesh in your body that, if it be sound, then the whole body will be sound and if it be corrupt then the whole body will be corrupt. Indeed it is the heart.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Whereas heart remains the most important organ in our body, there are another organ who is responsible for most sins we committed. It is the tongue. Tongue has similar structure with the heart, which is only a small part, boneless flesh. However, tongue is very dangerous as it kills harder than the blade.
Moreover, tongue is the mirror of your heart. Who you truly are expresses through the tongue. You can either show yourself as a good or bad people. Thus, the importance of tongue is very high in Islam.
1. Showing Quality As a Muslim
You are in a full liberty on how would you use your tongue for. You can speak the blessing of Allah SWT or else badmouthing someone through it. It will show your quality as a Muslim to others. Also read Importance of Moral Values in Islam
“Indeed successful are the Believers, those who in their prayer have Khushoo’ (fear of Allah) and those who refrain from vain talk.” (23:1-3)
2. Being Grateful to Allah SWT
Indeed, every part of our body contains the blessing of Allah SWT, and you must show your gratitude by using it well. About the tongue, it can be used for many good deeds and seeking the blessing of Allah SWT. You can use your tongue to show obedience to Allah, seeking knowledge, do good deeds, and forbidding the evil deeds.
3. Key for Your Success
Tongue plays more important part in your success more than you can ever imagine. Allah SWT mentioned in Surah Al Mumineen verse 1-3 that the sign of a successful Muslims are those who refrain themselves from talking uselessly. Also read Importance of Aqeedah in Islam
“Know it is incumbent upon all to guard their tongues from most speech, except a word that has some benefit in it….” (Kitaabul-Adhkaar)
4. Every Word is Recorded
You will be responsible for every words you spoke through your tongue, and the consequences that follows. Since the Angels keep records of everything you say, you better be careful when using your tongue.
“Not a word is said except that there is a watcher by him ready to record it.” (50:18)
5. Showing Belief to Allah SWT
A obedience servant of Allah SWT will be careful in speaking an using his tongue. In fact, it’s a proof that he beliefs Allah through the carefulness in his words. Also read Benefits of Talking Less in Islam
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or keep silent.” (Bukhari)
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6. A Source of of Sins
The greatest danger of a human being lies in his tongue. A tongue can create many sins, among them could be hard to be forgiven. Thus, always be careful in using your tongue.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Most of the sins of the children of Adam are from the tongue.” (At-Tabarani, authenticated by Al Hafidh Al Mundiri in Al Targhib)
7. A Tool to Harm Others
When you use your tongue wrongly, not only you will commit sins but also cause harm to others. Also read Importance of Mother in Islam
Abu Musa al Ashari (RA) once asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), “O Messenger of Allah, which of the Muslims are better?” The Messenger of Allah said, “Those who do not harm the Muslims with their tongues and hands.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
8. Key to Enter Paradise
A tongue can either cause a Muslim to be burned in Hellfire or entering the Jannah with ease.
Sahl ibn Sa’ad (RA) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever guards what is between his jaws and legs. I shall guarantee him paradise.” (Bukhari and Tirmidhi)
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How to Control the Tongue
Tongue is the most dangerous part of the body. You can either entering the Jannah of burning in the Hellfire through your tongue. It is said that tongue is sharper than blade. Seeing how tongue can be dangerous, these are how to control the tongue.
- Think Before Speak
Thinking before speaking is the wisest advice a Muslim can get. It has become a very bad habit for anyone to snap quickly whenever other speak, not knowing whether something they’re going to speak is the appropriate one or not. Silence is better when you don’t have anything nice to say. Also read Importance of Circumcision in Islam
“If you wish to speak then it is upon you to think before you speak. If you think there is good in it then speak and if not then do not speak.” (Imam As-Safi’i)
- Apologize When You Make Mistake
Human makes mistake everyday. So when you hurt someone with your tongue, take no time to apologize. It may seems simple but many people have trouble apologizing, which makes misunderstanding going worse and two people end up conflicting. Asking for apology requires practice, and you will get better over time.
- Be with a Good Company
You are who your friends are. Surround yourself on with good companies, those who wont’ lure you to gossip others. It’s impossible to badmouthing someone on your own, and all you need is a bad company to begin with. Also read Importance of Sunnah in Muslim Life
- Keep Yourself Reminded
Backbiting, lying, and gossiping others are among sins made by tongue. Keep yourself reminded not to commit sin through your tongue. Get closer to Allah SWT, read a lot of sunnah and Quranic verses: it’s written clearly about the punishment for Muslims who use their tongue for bad deeds.
- Reinforce Yourself
Nobody knows you better than you are. Do everything necessary to avoid committing sin with your tongue. For example, you can set a rule for yourself. Pay certain amount of money whenever you use your tongue badly. The money later can use for charity purpose.
The importance of tongue is really high in Islam since it may brings a big consequences when you can’t use your tongue wisely. As tongue possess a big power with it, use your tongue only for good and when doing good.