The Concept of Silence and Its Benefits in Islam

Silence holds a significant place in Islamic teachings. It reflects wisdom, self-control, and obedience to the commands of Allah Ta’ala and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Islam encourages its followers to speak only when their words are beneficial, and often, silence is considered better than speaking without benefit.

The Value of Silence in the Qur’an and Hadith

In the Qur’an, Allah Ta’ala says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.”
(QS. Al-Ahzab: 70)

This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing good and beneficial words in speech. It aligns with the hadith of Prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam, narrated by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim:

مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.”
(HR. Bukhari, no. 6475; Muslim, no. 47)

This hadith stresses that speaking without goodness is not only unnecessary, but it can also lead to sin and harm.

Also read:Optimism Pessimism in Islam

The Virtue of Silence

Protecting from the Sin of the Tongue

Uncontrolled speech can lead to major sins such as backbiting (ghibah), slander, or lying. Prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam said:

وَهَلْ يَكُبُّ النَّاسَ فِي النَّارِ عَلَى وُجُوهِهِمْ إِلَّا حَصَائِدُ أَلْسِنَتِهِمْ
“Is it not the tongues of people that drag them into Hell on their faces?”
(HR. Tirmidzi, no. 2616)

By choosing silence, one protects oneself from sin and preserves both personal and others’ dignity.

Enhancing Wisdom and Self-Control

Silence provides space for contemplation and understanding a situation before speaking. Prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُبْغِضُ الْبَلِيغَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ الَّذِي يَتَخَلَّلُ بِلِسَانِهِ كَمَا تَتَخَلَّلُ الْبَقَرَةُ
“Indeed, Allah despises the eloquent man who uses his tongue as a cow uses its mouth to chew.”
(HR. Abu Dawud, no. 5005; authenticated by Al-Albani)

This hadith emphasizes that speaking without purpose demonstrates immaturity in character.

A Source of Peace and Harmony

In times of conflict, silence can defuse tension and prevent situations from worsening. Allah Ta’ala says:

وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا
“And speak to people good [words].”
(QS. Al-Baqarah: 83)

This verse affirms that speaking kindly or choosing to remain silent is a wise step in maintaining harmonious relationships.

Silence as a Spiritual Action

Silence strengthens the relationship with Allah Ta’ala. In a hadith narrated by Imam Tirmidzi, Prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam said:

لَا تُكْثِرُوا الْكَلَامَ بِغَيْرِ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ، فَإِنَّ كَثْرَةَ الْكَلَامِ بِغَيْرِ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَقْسُو الْقَلْبَ
“Do not speak excessively without the remembrance of Allah, for indeed excessive speech without the remembrance of Allah hardens the heart.”
(HR. Tirmidzi, no. 2411; graded Hasan by Al-Albani)

In silence, one can better engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), introspect, and improve oneself.

Also read:The Prohibition of Extravagant Life in Islam

When Speaking is Necessary

Islam also teaches the importance of speaking in certain situations. For example, the Qur’an mentions:

لَا خَيْرَ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِنْ نَجْوَاهُمْ إِلَّا مَنْ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ أَوْ مَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ إِصْلَاحٍ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ
“There is no good in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity, or good conduct, or reconciliation between people.”
(QS. An-Nisa: 114)

Words that encourage goodness, offer advice, or reconcile others are not only permissible but highly encouraged.

Conclusion

Silence is a characteristic of the wise and the faithful. By safeguarding the tongue, a Muslim not only protects themselves from sin but also creates peace in society and strengthens their relationship with Allah Ta’ala. Silence is often better than speaking, unless the speech brings benefit and goodness.

Also read:Akhlaq Lessons from Ramadan Fasting 

The Concept of Silence and Its Benefits in Islam

References

  1. QuranExplorer. Stay Silent or Talk Meaningful Words. Accessed from https://www.quranexplorer.com/blog/Understand-the-Quran/Stay_Silent_or_Talk_Meaningful_words
  2. DalamIslam.com. The Virtues of Silence in Islam. Accessed from https://dalamislam.com/akhlaq/keutamaan-diam-dalam-islam#google_vignette
  3. Rumaysho.com. Silence is Golden. Accessed from https://rumaysho.com/1738-diam-itu-emas.html
  4. NU Online. The Virtues of Silence and Guarding Speech in Islam. Accessed from https://nu.or.id/tasawuf-akhlak/keutamaan-diam-dan-menjaga-lisan-menurut-islam-fOUru
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