Why should I sometimes choose silence?

In the rich teachings of the Holy Quran and the Prophetic tradition (Sunnah), the profound importance of speech and the vital role of the tongue in human life are clearly articulated. The tongue is a powerful instrument that can be a source of immense good or a cause of great evil. Therefore, the conscious choice of silence in certain situations is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is the epitome of wisdom, insight, and moral and spiritual virtue. The Holy Quran explicitly emphasizes the necessity of controlling one’s tongue and refraining from idle talk, falsehoods, backbiting, slander, and malicious speech. This emphasis naturally leads one to choose silence when speaking would only result in harm. The Almighty states clearly in the Quran that every word a person utters is recorded, and they will be held accountable for it. In Surah Qaf, verse 18, it is stated: “Mā yalfaẓu min qawlin illā ladayhi raqībun ʿatīd; Not a word does he utter but there is a [watcher] by him ready [to note it].” This verse alone is sufficient to prompt deep reflection on every word one intends to speak, encouraging silence when no benefit is foreseen or when there is a risk of harm. Silence, firstly, acts as a protective shield against the sins of the tongue. Backbiting, slander, tale-bearing, falsehoods, mockery, and idle talk (laghw), which are strictly forbidden in the Quran, are all afflictions of the tongue. By choosing silence in situations where there is a temptation to engage in such sins or in gatherings of idle and vain talk, one protects oneself from being tainted by these transgressions. In Surah Al-Furqan, verse 72, Allah says: “Wa’llażīna lā yashhadūnaz-zūra wa’iżā marrū bil-laghwi marrū kirāmā; And [true] servants of the Most Merciful are those who do not bear false witness, and when they pass by ill speech, they pass by with dignity.” This verse highlights the importance of avoiding gatherings of idle talk, which sometimes entails silence and non-participation. Secondly, silence provides an opportunity for reflection, contemplation, and self-improvement. In today’s noisy world, constantly bombarded by information, silence opens a window to one’s inner self. It allows individuals to be alone with their thoughts, reflect on their actions and words, review their goals, and find ways to improve. Many Islamic scholars and mystics consider silence a crucial pillar of spiritual journeying, as it is in silence that one can better hear the voice of their inner self and the divine call, remaining safe from the whispers of the ego and devils. This contemplation leads to more measured and wise speech. Thirdly, silence is the best approach when encountering ignorant or argumentative individuals. Debating with the ignorant is often futile and even harmful, leading only to increased animosity and resentment. The Holy Quran advises believers not to engage in disputes with the ignorant and to pass by them with dignity. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 55, it states: “Wa’iżā sami‘ul-laghwa a‘raḍū ‘anhu waqālū lanā a‘mālunā wa lakum a‘mālukum salāmun ‘alaykum lā nabtaghīl-jāhilīn; And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, ‘For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.’” This verse demonstrates that sometimes silence and lack of reaction are themselves forms of wisdom and preserving one’s dignity. Fourthly, silence is a sign of patience and steadfastness. In certain difficult situations, silence, instead of hasty and emotional reactions, can be a sign of inner strength and self-control. This patience itself carries a great reward from Allah. Silence can help an individual to control their anger and refrain from uttering words that they might later regret. Finally, silence gives value to speech. A person who is always talking finds their words less appreciated. However, one who speaks sparingly and chooses silence when necessary, when they do speak, their words will be more impactful and weighty. Allah says in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 70: “Yā ’ayyuhallażīna āmanuttaqullāha wa qūlū qawlan sadīdā; O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” This verse emphasizes the importance of the quality of speech; if one cannot speak what is just and true, then silence is preferable. Therefore, choosing silence is not an evasion of responsibility, but a manifestation of responsibility towards one's words, preservation of self-respect, spiritual elevation, and attainment of inner peace. It is a powerful tool for achieving balance and wisdom in daily life. One must learn when it is virtuous to speak and when it is virtuous to be silent, for each has its unparalleled value. Through this balance, we can achieve true growth and perfection, build human relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, and remain safe from the unintended consequences of idle talk in the presence of the Divine. Consequently, silence is not weakness but strength; not an absence of words but the presence of wisdom. This conscious choice can guide one’s life towards goodness and success and aid them on the path of servitude and closeness to God.