The Danger and Duty of Guarding the Tongue - Jummah Update
Qur’an Verse
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“يَوْمَ تَشْهَدُ عَلَيْهِمْ أَلْسِنَتُهُمْ…"
"The Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them for what they used to do.” (Surah An-Nur: 24)
Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“إن الرجل ليتكلم بالكلمة لا يرى بها بأسًا يهوي بها سبعين خريفًا في النار"
"A man may speak a word, thinking it harmless, but it plunges him seventy years into the Fire.” — (Tirmidhi)
Imam’s Statement
The tongue is one of the greatest blessings and one of the greatest tests. The tongue has built nations and destroyed homes. It has turned hearts toward Allah and turned hearts away. Let us use it for good—dhikr, du’a, advice, truth, and justice. And let us abstain from false speech, gossip, mockery, and lies. Each one of us will stand before Allah. And our books of deeds will be opened. And the tongue will either testify for us—or against us.
Things to Consider
- Train yourself in silence.
- Avoid idle talk.
- Do daily dhikr: “SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar.”
- Avoid arguing, even if you’re right.
- Think before you speak.
- Speak with purpose.
This sermon was delivered at Dover Masjid on Friday, 18th July 2025 (23 Muharram 1447 AH)