Why does holy Qur'an emphasize on controlling tongue?

Pars Today- According to Hojjat-ol-Islam Rafiee, human being can be well-wishing to others through controlling the tongue. He can also cause spite and offense with it.

Hojjat-ol-Islam Nasser Rafiee, a seminary teacher, said, "One of the important issues in human life which most people are suffering from is the issue of the sins of tongue. The sins of tongue are cheap and free of charge and they have a big variety. That's why human being is trapped with it the most."

According to Pars Today, quoting from Mehr news agency, Rafiee said that not all cardinal sins are convenient, and human beings do not commit all of them. He added, "For instance, one of the great sins is to sell weapons to the infidels. Not everyone commits this sin. Or another great sin is drinking alcohol. Many people do not commit this sin. But, the sin of tongue is not so, because it is both varied, easy and cheap."

This seminary teacher, pointing to the Qur'anic recommendation on controlling the tongue, stated, "It has been narrated that the faith of the servant will not be safe and sound unless the tongue is sound. There is a hadith that anyone who speaks will be recognized with his tongue, and the human character is under his tongue. Human being can be well-wishing to others through controlling the tongue. He can also cause spite and offense with it."

Mentioning silence as one of the causes of kindness and opening the gates of [divine] mercy, he went on to say, "Human being will not commit a sin in silence even if he doesn't do anything good. There are many narrations which stress talking less. For example, it has been narrated that silence is one of the gates of wisdom."

Referring to the characteristics of good word, he said, "The holy Qur'an says that the good word is the one which, first of all, is uttered consciously. Today, sometimes the picture and voice of persons are produced and published on the cyberspace through artificial intelligence. Thus, based on clear verses [of the Qur'an] and narrations, one needs not to follow what he doesn't know and is not aware of. Many words are stem from ignorance and suspicion."

Pointing to the Qur'anic emphasis on accuracy of words, Rafiee continued, "Word should have a basis and foundation. The Qur'an invites human beings to have Godwariness and speak logically. For example, one shouldn't speak without grounds and basis on election discussions. The Qur'an also stresses that a word mustn't be disturbing and reproachful."

He also stated, "Another characteristic stressed in the Qur'an is justice in remarks. In political discussions, remarks should be just and not destructive. Word coupled with deed, speaking beautifully and eloquently are other characteristics of speaking good words which human beings have been recommended to do by the Qur'an."

Key phrases: holy Qur'an, controlling tongue, Hojjat-ol-Islam Nasser Rafiee, What are sins of tongue?

RM/ME