The Importance of Words in Islam

Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings. My brothers in faith,

We live today in an age of fame, so one must be

careful about what one publishes.

Not everything should be published, for perhaps a word may lead to

strife, or a word may be misunderstood. Ali ibn Abi

Talib, may God be pleased with him, has a saying in which he says, “You do not

tell people something their minds cannot comprehend, except that it will be

a trial for them.” Or as he, may God be pleased with him, said.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, says, “A man may utter a word of

God’s pleasure without giving it any thought,

and God raises his rank through it.

And a man may utter a word that incurs God’s wrath without giving it any

thought.” In another narration, “He never thought it would reach as far as it did,

and God records His wrath against him until the day he meets Him.” Thus,

the matter is very serious, so we must all beware

of the effect of a word, for its impact and influence are great,

and it holds a great position with God, the Almighty.

Have you not seen how God gives the example of a good word as a good tree,

its roots firmly fixed and its branches in the sky

It yields its fruit at all times, by its Lord's permission. Then he said,

"And the example of a wicked word is like a wicked tree, uprooted

from above the earth, like a wicked tree uprooted from above the earth,

with no stability."

We ask Allah Almighty to guide our words and deeds aright.