THE POWER OF THE WORD
‘The perfect Muslim is he (she) from whose tongue and hands mankind is safe.’
—The noble Messenger Muhammad (S)
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lmighty Allah rewards us according to our words and deeds. Every word and deed is recorded so that perfect justice is done. Almighty Allah says in the Noble Qur’an Surah at-Tauba: ‘O you who are securely committed to Allah! Be conscious of Allah’s divine Power presence [at all times] and be with those who are true (in word and deed)’ ([9]:119).
And in Surah al-Imran, Allah says: ‘Those who are steadfast and show patience, and who are true (in word and deed), and those who are obedient [to Allah]’ ([3]:17).
Those who are truthful in thought, word and deed will be led to righteousness, and righteousness leads to success in the material as well as the spiritual world. We should always keep the company of friends who are truthful in thought, word and deed. Words have power. The great sufi, Jalaluddin
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Rumi (ra) said: ‘Words are the shadow of reality, since the shadow could draw, how much more the reality.’
Think about it. Our words can be of immense value; they can do enormous good as well as damage; and they can build or destroy the future of those near and dear to us. Do not utter words without thinking about the consequences. Words can inflict great harm, although we may have no intention of hurting others.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life. Every word we utter is recorded. Remember, it does not hurt the tongue to speak a kind word to anybody. There are three things that never return: ‘A spoken word, an arrow that is released from its bow, and a neglected opportunity.’
Almighty Allah created us and gave us limited free will. He knows our innermost thoughts, desires and motives better than we know them ourselves. Every word we utter is recorded by two angels who witness and record the deeds of humankind. One sits on the right and one on the left, ready to note whatever we utter. We need to watch our words for words are the raw material of thoughts, and thoughts have power.
In the Sahih (quoted in Tafsir Ibn Kathir) the noble Messenger Muhammad (S) said: ‘Allah the exalted has forgiven my Ummah for what they think to themselves about, as long as they do not utter or implement it.’ Words are loaded weapons that carry the power to cause life and
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death. In our daily prayer we must ask Almighty Allah to bless us with creative words.
In Surah al-Ahzab, Almighty Allah reminds us of the words we utter: ‘O you who are securely committed to Allah, be conscious of Allah’s divine presence [and guard against His corrective measures]; and always say a word directed to the right that He may make your conduct wholesome and sound and forgive your sins. He that obeys Allah and His Messenger has already attained the highest achievement‘ ([33]:70–71).
An eminent sufi, Yunus Emre, said: ‘Speak truly, Allah speaks through words truly spoken. Falsity ends in pain.’ The words we utter have consequences. Always be honest with your words; speak the truth. Focus on words that will add value, express what is right and truthful. The result of our words will appear in our actions. Think before we speak: will it add value to the discussion? Almighty Allah’s angels record every word we utter; this should make us think before we speak.
When we promise to do something, we must keep our word; do what we say we will do. Take care and monitor our words. Promise is sacred; we must never break it, even if made to a child. Almighty Allah emphasizes this in the Noble Qur’an Surah al-Baqarah by pointing out that those who fulfil their promises are the ones that are truly muttaqeen ([2]:177).
Words attract spiritual forces and also draw the attention of Almighty Allah. When our words are sincere and honest,
THE POWER OF THE WORD
we draw Almighty Allah closer to us and He will come to our aid to facilitate our success.
Kind and pleasant words last and transmit enormous power to help, heal and encourage those we talk to, and to do good. Our choice of words can motivate us to a higher level of living. When we say something positive and encouraging to our spouse, our children, and our relatives and friends, these words last forever.
Words are an index to one’s character and personality. Hazrat Ali (ra) said: ‘Your tongue will speak out what it is accustomed to. Your behaviour is the index to your mind.’
The qualities of people who have powerful tongues are: 1) When they speak they are truthful in their speech; 2) They follow the Sunnah of the noble Messenger Muhammad (S), always uniting and speaking good of people; 3) When a person confides in them, they maintain that person’s trust; 4) They bless and greet everyone they meet with Salaam (peace); 5) They are always positive in their speech, and say Insha’Allah (if Allah wills) when they speak of their endeavours. Almighty Allah will fulfil all the aspirations of true believers who guard their tongue.
Imam Ahmed recorded what Bilal ibn Harith al-Muzani (ra) reported that the messenger of Almighty Allah, Muhammad (S), said: ‘Verily a man might utter a word that pleases Almighty Allah, unaware of how highly it will be regarded, on its account Almighty Allah the exalted, Most
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Honoured, decrees His pleasure on him until the day he meets Him. A man might indeed utter a word that angers Almighty Allah, unaware of how dreadful it will be and on its account Almighty Allah decrees for him His anger until the day he meets Him.’
A du’a that the noble Messenger Muhammad (S) recommended is: ‘The one who says this du‘a three times in the morning and in the evening, not even poison will harm him that night.
A‘oodhu bikalimaatil-laahit-taammaati min sharri maa khalaq.’ ‘I seek refuge in Allah’s perfect words from the evil of His creation.’
The time in which you speak will deliver your enthusiasm; this will demonstrate your personality. If you possess a powerful personality within yourself, and you are a satisfied contented person with a vision in life, you may not have to speak a word and you will attract people towards you. The eyes and simple gestures express your personality.
The noble Messenger Muhammad (S) had the personality that attracted good people around him. To succeed in life we must develop ourselves internally by reading the Noble Qur’an with understanding and by following the Sunnah of the noble Messenger Muhammad (S).
Make a concentrated effort to read books of great scholars who can be your role models in life.
Build the power of attraction within you and insha’Allah you will succeed. Almighty Allah promises success and
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victory to the believers who are obedient and comply with Almighty Allah’s commands. He never fails in His Promise. In Surah al-Muminun, Allah says: ‘Truly successful shall be those firmly committed to Allah, who show true humility in their salah, who turn away from all that is frivolous, who are active and eager in giving charity, who refrain from sex except with those joined to them in marriage. On such there is no blame except those that crave more than what Allah has prescribed as limits and deliberately transgress them. Those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges, and are diligent in their salah; they shall inherit [Allah’s pleasure] and these are the ones who shall inherit Paradise wherein they shall reside forever’ ([23]:1–11).
Almighty Allah repeatedly tells us in the Noble Qur’an to follow the most perfect human being, the noble Messenger Muhammad (S), ever to walk on the face of this earth (Surah an-Nisa [4]:59, 64). In Surah al-Ahzab, Almighty Allah says: ‘You have indeed in the messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for anyone whose hope is Allah and the Final Day and who engages much in the way of Allah.’ ([33]:21). His character, his personality and his education were supervised personally and directed by Almighty Allah (SWT) Himself. We must study his life and emulate his character and personality.
The noble Messenger Muhammad (S) said: ‘Man’s salvation comes from his tongue. His transgression and debasement also come from his tongue.’