RESPONSIBLE SPEECH

Abu Hurairah, the Companion who narrated the most sayings of the Prophet, reported that the Prophet of Islam said: “Whoever believes in God and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6018; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 47)

A person who truly believes in God, with full awareness of His greatness and majesty—and who is convinced that every word will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment—will be extremely cautious about their speech. They will think before they speak. Before God reviews their words, they will review them themselves.

Such a mindset makes a person their own supervisor. Their tongue becomes guarded, and they speak only when necessary. When there is no real need to speak, they prefer silence.

A person who develops this kind of psychological discipline will only speak for good. Their tongue will naturally avoid vain or harmful speech, as if they no longer have the words for it.

“Good speech” refers to words that convey divine wisdom, support the oppressed, aim to promote human welfare, or are motivated by well-wishing and a constructive purpose.

On the other hand, “bad speech” includes words meant to promote one’s own image, to support injustice, to spread hatred or harm, or to stir up conflict and create disorder in society.

True belief in God and the Hereafter makes a person serious and responsible. And someone who has become truly serious and responsible will speak only in the manner described in the above saying of the Prophet.