Quran and Etrat Online University congratulates all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 8th of Rabee al-Thani, the birthday anniversary of the sincere servant of Allah (SWT), the chosen and guiding leader, the 11th Master of the Shiites, Imam Hassan al-Askari (PBUH).
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
An unconsidered or careless word could immerse (sink) human beings into a variety of sins, which originate from tongue. We can avoid many unpleasant events and sins caused by tongue, if we reconsider the content of our speech, the motivation behind it and the consequences it might have before beginning to speak.
In this regard, it is narrated form Imam Hasan al-Askari (PBUH):
“The fool’s heart is in his mouth and the wise man’s mouth is in his heart.” (1)
Undoubtedly, “heart” in this statement refers to “wisdom”, and by the mouth being in front of the heart or at the back of it, indicates the importance of considering and thinking about the content of the talk and whether to speak it out or not.
In other words, a wise person does not use his tongue before consulting with his wisdom and a deep thought. A fool however, would speak carelessly and without thought. He would not consider his wisdom and the possible consequences of his words. Therefore, it seems that the wise man’s tongue is located behind his mind and the fool`s mind is behind his tongue. (2)
Accordingly, the elegant resolution of the Imam`s word is that the wise thinks at the first place and then speaks. On the other hand, the fool talks at first and then would think about it. Thus, the wise man’s words are careful, elegant, beneficial and considered but the fool’s is non-elegant and might even hurt himself or put him at risk.
We should consider our speech`s details and the consequences before starting to talk and see whether it might hurt someone, dishonor a believer, or even support an unjust person. We should apply our thought and speech to achieve Allah`s satisfaction, enjoining good and forbidding evil, supporting the oppressed and stand against the oppressors.
(The above is a selection taken from publications of Ayat Allah Makrim Shirazi (with minor changes)) (3)
Footnotes:
1. Tohaf al-Oqool, p.489; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 374
2. This explanation was elaborated by Sayyed Razi at the 40th Hikmat of Nahj al-Balaghah
3. The above is selected from the publications and thoughts of Ayat Allah Makrim Shirazi (Books: Morality in the Holy Quran and The message of Amir al-Muminin (PBUH)) which are composed by his publication office.
Source: Roshd Islamic Shia Website