The Times of India | September 01, 2025
There are a number of traditions of the Prophet on the importance of silence. According to one tradition, the Prophet said that one who keeps silent has attained salvation. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2501)
This does not mean that people should stop speaking and become totally silent. Rather, what it actually means is that one should become silent and think and only then should one speak. We should properly train ourselves and develop the habit of speaking less and keeping silent more, and of speaking only after we have properly thought about what we are going to say. This we can do by developing the habit of consciously engaging in this practice in our ordinary, everyday conversations. If we can develop this habit in our everyday conversations, then we will respond in the same way when we are faced with extraordinary or challenging situations.
Ordinarily, when faced with a situation, most people react instantly without thinking, blurting out whatever comes to mind. This is not the right way. One should first think, and only then speak. Responding in this manner prevents regret, for once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back.
When faced with an unfavorable situation, people often flare up and speak in an unpleasant manner. The simplest safeguard to avoid this, is to cultivate in daily conversations, the habit of first thinking and only then speaking. Once this habit of controlling yourself is formed in ordinary interactions, it will carry over to difficult moments as well. The self-control you develop in everyday speech will train you to remain disciplined and measured even in times of crisis.
Much of the chaos and conflict in this world has to do with words. Some words provoke hatred and violence. Other words nourish a climate of peace and humaneness. If people could only do this one thing—making the correct choice of words while speaking, and then keeping their emotions under control—most conflicts and strife would die even before they were born.
To remain in control while speaking is a great virtue. Only those who constantly examine themselves and keep a check on their words and actions can attain this noble quality. When you hear something, do not respond at once. Pause, reflect, and consider the best response. In this way, you will always reply in a proper manner. Instead of reacting to stones with stones, you will respond with flowers—and in doing so, you will find true success.
Source: Islam and World Peace
