Loose Cannon

Allah (S.W.T) has granted us with many blessings, health being one such blessing. We take health for granted but do not really understand the value of it until it is no longer there. During our daily lives, our body is put through many tasks without any considerations. The tongue is one of those that is used constantly, but given no importance.

Through communication, we have the ability to interact with one another using the power of the tongue. The tongue is one of the greatest blessings of Allah (S.W.T); however it has the ability to perform great damage if not controlled. In essence the tongue is one organ that has a vital role in building our status. If used in the correct manner it can elevate your status and give you respect amongst the pious. If misused, it can lead to self destruction and degrading in spiritual status.

Allah (S.W.T) has made it very easy for the tongue to move and it is not difficult to realise that a person’s tongue moves much more than compared to our other limbs. If we watch what we do with our limbs then why not watch what we say? Whoever uses the tongue wisely restraining it with religious bond and placing it where it belongs, is worthy of salvation. Whoever liberates it, not monitoring what it utters; Shaitaan will mislead him to the wrong path.

The Prophet (S.A.W) 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 (6477) and Sahîh Muslim (2988)]

It is clear that controlling the tongue is an important aspect yet we use it to slander and harm, backbite and participate in idle talks. It is a loose cannon that we need to suppress. Sadly we commit sins with our tongues not only in our homes but also in Mosques too.

The Holy Quran states "Certainly, the believers have attained their goal, Those who become most humble and submissive in their Prayers, and who (always) keep away from Absurd talk" [Translation taken from Irfan ul Quran, Surah Al Mu'minun, Ayah 1-3, Page 562]

In order to gain virtues we need to give attention to how we use our tongues. If we want to gain paradise we need to control our tongues and refrain from absurd talking. We also need to be more humble and submissive when conducting a righteous act.

May Allah (S.W.T) with the waseela of the beloved Prophet (S.A.W), give us the ability to control our tongue and use it in the appropriate manner.