MANIFESTATIONS OF TONGUE

 

Tongue has been used twenty-five times in the Glorious Qur’an. Allah (s.w.t.) reminds man, “Have We not made for him two eyes, a tongue and two lips…” (90:8,9) Tongue is also a means of comprehension like eyes and ears. Tongue is the key to our thoughts and memory. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “A man’s personality is hidden beneath his tongue.” It is the architect of man’s personality. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Speak to be comprehended.”

It is mentioned immediately after the man’s creation; “The All-beneficent has taught the Qur’an. He created man, (and) taught him articulate speech.” (55:1-4). Prophet Yusuf, when he was in the prison, interpreted the king’s dream, was brought out to the king, and spoke about his talents. The king appointed him the finance minister. Prophet Musa when appointed as a prophet prayed, “Remove the hitch from my tongue, (so that) they may understand my discourse.” (20:27,28) He also requested for Prophet Harun saying, “Harun, my brother, he is more eloquent than me in speech, so send him with me as a helper to confirm me, for I fear that they will impugn me.” (28:34) Addressing the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) about his prime responsibility, Allah (s.w.t.) says, “Indeed We have made it simple in your language so that you may give good news thereby to the God wary and warn with it a disputatious lot.” (19:97) Prophet Ibrahim also prayed for a truthful tongue, “Confer on me a worthy repute among the posterity.” (26:84). A similar request was made for Prophet Is‘haque and Prophet Yaqoob, “And We bestowed of Our Mercy on them, and assigned unto them a high and true renown.” (19:50) Allah (s.w.t.) determines the variety of languages of the world as a sign as stated, “Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and the colors. There are indeed signs in that for those who know.” (30:22)

In short, tongue is the only source by which one expresses his faith, prays, and supplicates. When Allah (s.w.t.) wants to talk to His Prophet Musa, the Glorious Qur’an says, “…and to Musa Allah spoke directly…” (4:164). On the same lines, Allah (s.w.t.) addresses Prophet Isa, “…so you would speak to the people in the cradle and in adulthood…” (5:110) The Message of Islam was communicated to the world by the Noble Messenger through his sacred tongue!

The importance of tongue has been stated above but it also entails responsibilities. “Certainly, We have created man and We know to what his soul tempts him, and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein. When the twin recorders record (his deeds), seated on the right hand and the left: he says no word but that there is a ready observer beside him.” (50:16-18). Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Tongue is like a beast, if left uncontrolled, it would tear apart.” It can be controlled by thinking and weighing the consequences. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “The center of many sins is his tongue.” Calamities and sins committed by tongue are:

Back-biting: “Do not spy or back-bite one another. Will any one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother” (49:12)

 False lie: “Indeed those who fabricate lies against Allah (s.w.t.) will not be felicitous.” (16:116)

Hypocrisy: Speaking something which is not in their hearts. “They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts” (48:11) When you were receiving on your tongues, and you were mouthing something of which you have no knowledge” (24:15) Witnessing: It is the responsibility of tongue to testify. “And do not conceal testimony” (2:283)

Ridicule others: “Let not any people ridicule another people.” (49:11)

Lies: There are many Ayahs of Qur’an and traditions of Masoomeen. “Only those fabricate lies who do not believe in the signs of Allah” (16:105)

Scandalmongering: “And do not obey any scandal-monger….” (68:11)

Gossiping: Obscene and vulgar talk. “We used to gossip along with the gossipers.” (74:45)

Slandering: “Woe to every scandal-monger and slanderer.” (104:1)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Allah will chastise the tongue and will not chastise any other part of the Body. The faith will not take root in a man’s heart until his tongue is controlled.”

 

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) by Ayatullah Nasir Makarim Shirazi

                Fawaid-e-Qur’an by Allama Sayyid Mustafa Musawi, Everlasting Charter of Qur’an by Ayatullah Ja’far Subhani