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Ibn
`Abbas used to say to his tongue, "O
tongue! Say something good to win, or abstain
from evil to be safe." Surely Allah will
be merciful to those who check their
utterances and weigh their words. He Almighty
says [Not
a word does he utter but there is a sentinel
by him, ready (to note it))
(Qaf 50:18).
Every
expression is recorded and every word is
counted: [And
your Lord is not in the least unjust to the
servants)
(Fussilat 41:46).
How
many fasting people spoil their fasts by
misusing their tongues? How can people fast
and give free rein to their tongue? The
purpose of fasting is not to feel hunger and
thirst. It is, instead, to discipline the
behavior and uplift the soul. There are, in
fact, many misdeeds that emanate from the
tongue if it is not properly controlled —
lying, backbiting, slandering, saying
obscenities, cursing, giving false evidence,
insulting, and scorning.
The
tongue is a means of good or evil. What a
delight it would be for those who remember
Allah, seek His forgiveness, praise Him,
glorify Him, give thanks to Him, and always
repent to Him. And what a disappointment it
would be for those who use it to violate honor
and sanctity and besmirch values.
O
fasting people, moisten your tongue with the
remembrance of Allah, discipline it with
God-consciousness, and cleanse it from
disobedience.
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