Tongue Key to Man’s Felicity, Misery
“O you who believe, fear Allah and say sound statements,” reads verse 70 of Surah Al-Ahzab.
This verse asks believers to develop Taqwa (piety) while also asking them to have control over what they say.
Psychologically speaking, Taqwa can refer to self-control; i.e. a power inside us that can control our behavior and contain our worldly desires.
Those who have full domination over their Nafs will take control of their body organs as their eyes, ears, and tongue will not move toward committing sins.
The mentioned verse highlights that what one says must be “sadid”. It means that our words should be strong and impenetrable as they should be based on truth.
The next verse of this Surah gives good tidings to those who obey God and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “God will reform your deeds and forgive your sins. One who obeys God and His Messenger will certainly achieve a great success.”
According to this verse, true and valid speech is one of the pillars of good deeds. Therefore, the tongue can lead to the forgiving of sins or guide one to the depth of Hell.
Narrations name some 40 sins that are related to the tongue, including lie, slander, and backbiting among others. On the other hand, one can do good deeds with this tongue such as working for reconciliation between two people, reciting the Quran, or reciting dhikr.
