Part 8
By Khyber Jalal
6. Moderation in Speech and Expressing Opinions
Another area in which Islam stresses moderation and balance is speech, the manner in which a person speaks, and knowing when to remain silent if there is nothing good or beneficial to say. The tongue is one of Allah’s greatest blessings, yet at the same time it is one of the most dangerous parts of the human body. That is why Islam teaches the believer to speak words that are good, measured, and beneficial, while avoiding both excess and negligence in speech.
Sadly, many Muslims today pay little attention to what they say. Through their tongues, they damage the honor, dignity, and reputation of their fellow Muslims. Yet Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:
﴿وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا﴾ (البقرة: 83)
“Speak to people in a good manner.”
(Al-Baqarah: 83)
Elsewhere, Allah Almighty says:
﴿مَا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ﴾ (ق: 18)
“Man does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record].”
(Qaf: 18)
A Muslim should therefore guard his tongue and remember that every word he speaks is being recorded before Allah Almighty, and that he will be questioned about it on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also encouraged Muslims to guard their tongues and observe moderation in speech. He said:
«مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ» (بخاري، حدیث: 1618)
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should either speak good or remain silent.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1618)
Islamic scholars say that a Muslim should weigh his words carefully. If speaking or remaining silent would make no difference, it is better to stay silent, because unnecessary speech can eventually lead to what is forbidden.
In light of these noble teachings, a Muslim should never use his tongue to undermine the Islamic system, insult people, humiliate them, mock them, spread rumors, tell lies, or make false accusations. On the other hand, remaining silent is not appropriate when there is a need to speak the truth or offer sincere advice. True moderation is to speak at the right time, in the right manner, and only as much as the situation requires.
Many disputes and conflicts among Muslims, whether within families, communities, or even in major public affairs, begin because of reckless words and extreme statements. That is why Islam instructs its followers to think before they speak and to consider the consequences of their words.
In reality, moderation in speech reflects a Muslim’s wisdom, sound judgment, and maturity of character. Today, some Muslims have become so consumed by the harms of the tongue that they show no concern for the honor, dignity, or reputation of other Muslims. Instead, they use their words to attack and undermine the sacred Islamic system and the Islamic Shariah. They fail to realize that hostility toward the Islamic system and contempt for it amount to open hostility toward Allah, especially in an age when the means of attacking people’s honor and reputation have become more widespread than ever before.
In short, when the tongue is used within the limits of truth, good manners, and moderation, it becomes a means of reform, unity, and mutual love. But when it crosses those limits and is turned into a weapon against Islam and the Islamic system, the result is division, hostility, and regret among Muslims.
