One of the greatest blessings bestowed upon us humans is the gift of speech and expression. Philosophers have regarded speech and expression as the most distinguishing feature of humans compared to other living beings. This is because human speech, which arises from understanding and perception, is the best manifestation and most refined representative of human reasoning and thought.
It is through this faculty of expression that humans convey their intentions to one another and share their thoughts and feelings. Through this same faculty, knowledge is transmitted from one individual to another and from one generation to the next. Without this ability, social life would not have been possible for humanity.
However, this same tongue, which is one of the greatest divine blessings, is also the source of the gravest sins.
In this regard, the fifth Imam, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him), stated:
“No one can remain safe from sins unless they guard their tongue.” [1]
The sins that can be committed solely by the tongue are sometimes enumerated as many as seventy. Lying, slander, backbiting, gossip, mocking, cursing, and other such actions—each of which is considered a major sin—originate from the tongue.
We must safeguard this seemingly small divine blessing that God has created and use it for uncovering the truth, not concealing it. We should ensure that it becomes a means for guiding and advising others, not a tool for leading them astray, spreading misguidance, hypocrisy, or deceit.
Hence, Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him), in a narration attributed to Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, said:
“This tongue is the key to all good and evil, so it is incumbent upon a believer to guard their tongue just as they guard their gold and silver.” [2]
(Adapted from the book “Wisdom and Admonitions” by Martyr Ayatollah Murtaza Mutahhari, with slight modifications and abridgment)
Footnotes:
[1] Tuhaf al-Uqul, Page 298
[2] Amali al-Mufid, Page 180