A Believer Controls Their Tongue

“A believer neither criticizes, curses, speaks in an obscene or vulgar manner, nor behaves indecently.” 1

Let’s examine the terms mentioned in this hadith:

Criticizing (ta’n): This refers to reproaching someone, damaging their honor, or wounding their dignity with disparaging faults.

Cursing (la’n): This means wishing someone to be distanced from Gods mercy.

Obscene speech (fahish): This denotes harsh, inappropriate, and vulgar language.

Indecent (baziy): Refers to someone who is foul-mouthed and shameless.

This hadith highlights the speech ethics of a believer. Every part of the human body has a role in servitude to God, with corresponding responsibilities and accountability. In the prophetic depictions of the Day of Judgment, some individuals are illustrated as monstrous figures due to their sins: overly large ears for those who loved eavesdropping, tongues dragging on the ground for those who slandered, and eyes that have burst from gazing at the forbidden. These vivid portrayals serve as warnings (tarhib)—intended to instill fear and caution those who misuse these organs.

The words that emerge from the movements of our tongue and lips are under our control. Faith illuminates our inner world, but true maturity is achieved when it influences our actions, including the use of our body parts. A person can harm others either with their hands or their tongue, demonstrating that the tongue is one of the most challenging tests for a human being. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) beautifully encapsulated this in the following hadith:

“Whoever guarantees for me [the proper use of] what lies between their jaws (the tongue) and what lies between their legs (private parts), I will guarantee Paradise for them.” 2

This shows just how significant these organs are.

The behaviors described in the hadith—criticism, cursing, and vulgar or obscene speech—are incompatible with true faith. These actions often stem from psychological issues, jealousy, or a lack of proper upbringing, indicating that faith has not yet deeply rooted itself in the individual. Therefore, it is our duty to refine our speech so that we can enter the afterlife as balanced individuals, with no part of us disproportionate due to misuse.

The early pious predecessors were deeply aware of the dangers of the tongue and took measures to caution us against its misuse. For example:

Abu Wa’il relates: “Once, the respected Abdullah ibn Mas’ud climbed the hill of Safa, held his tongue with his hand, and said: ‘Speak good and you will succeed. Refrain from evil speech and you will avoid regret. I heard the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) say, “Most of the sins of the children of Adam are because of their tongues.”3

Said al-Jariri narrates: “A man once told me that he saw the respected Ibn Abbas holding the tip of his tongue and saying, ‘O tongue! Speak well and you will succeed. Avoid evil speech and you will be safe!’ Someone asked him why he did that, and he replied: ‘I have heard that on the Day of Judgment, a person will regret their tongue more than anything else.’” 4

Selcuk Camcı

Selçuk Camcı graduated from the Faculty of Theology in 1992. He completed his master’s degree in the field of Hadith Studies and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Islamic Law. Camcı has worked as an editor for various religious publications, notably the Yeni Ümit magazine. He also received training in Chaplaincy (spiritual guidance) in the United States.

Footnotes:

1.Tirmidhi, Birr, 48

2.Ahmad b. Hanbal, Musnad, 1/405, 416

3.Bukhari, Riqaq, 23

4.Haythami, Majmau’z-Zawaid, 10/300

5.Abu Nuaym, Hilya, 1/328