In our society keeping quiet or being an introvert are characteristics that are looked down upon. This is because our society only values what is apparent; thus the self-effacing individuals who refrain from speaking unnecessarily are known as the ones who are insecure and lacking in self-confidence, whilst the long-winded individuals are deemed as being clever, witty and successful. This is ironic, as this mentality was not shared by our pious predecessors, according to Hadrat Ali (ra) “when intelligence is complete speech becomes rare”. Traditionally it has also been said that one should “be sure of the stupidity of a man if he speaks too much”. A wise man once said “Modesty brings silence”, and according to Islamic tradition modesty is also a branch of faith. Modest people do not highlight their merits, they feel embarrassed when they are given praise, and genuinely do not feel they have done all that much to deserve it.
We are living in a time in which the abnormal is perceived as being normal. And if we allow ourselves to be controlled by the ever- changing norms of society then this shows that we are being controlled by people, whereas in actual fact we should only be controlled by the wishes of our Almighty Creator.
Furthermore, the one who endeavors to gain the love, admiration or approval of people will exhaust himself. In the end, his action may leave some pleased and others unhappy. It is said that if “one desires immortal glory he should seek glory in the Immortal”. In other words seeking the pleasure of Allah (swt) makes one pleasing to good people.
Imam Ali says that the wiser man is, the less he will speak. Think about this for a second. Wisdom will come about as you reflect on the nature of everything. You’ll adopt silence because it’s the smart thing
to do: silence guards secrets, silence
controls the tongue, silence gets rid of nonsense (in your head as well as in your speech), silence sharpens the wit, and silence increases the value of your words. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said that one who knows the value of his speech will also know the value of silence. In fact, if one adopts silence, he will value his speech and therefore guard it like he guards his wealth.
We need to be careful about when and how we are silent. For example, being silent in times of injustice is problematic, and sometimes it’s Important, or even morally imperative, to speak up. Keeping silent establishes piety, brings about the blessings of Allah (swt), increases wisdom, brings peace and happiness and is the gateway to beneficial knowledge. One should also know that Allah (swt) is most easily reached through silence. Stop and think what type of person are you? May Allah (swt) bless us with the wisdom that is acquired through silence, and give us the ability to think before we speak, Ameen.
(Writer: Shariq Bashir)
