Hawzah News Agency - The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali peace be upon him, speaks about the importance of silence as follows:

«بِکثْرَةِ الصَّمْتِ تَکونُ الْهَیبَةُ.» 1

"Excess of silence leads to dignity and greatness." (Nahj al-Balaqah, Wisdom no. 224)

Explanation:

Much has been said about the importance of silence, and numerous traditions (ahadith) have been narrated on this subject.

A narration from Imam Sadiq peace be upon him lists many virtues of silence. He (a.s) states:

"Silence is the way of those who seek the truth and the hallmark of those who reflect upon the lives of those before them and understand the transformations and changes of the times. Indeed, such contemplation forms the basis of silence and stillness.

The pleasure of Allah lies in silence. It lightens the burden of accountability and protects one from errors and missteps.

God has made silence a covering for the ignorance of the ignorant and an adornment for the knowledge of the learned.

Silence is a means of avoiding desires, a tool for disciplining the soul, the sweetness of worship, and a remover of the hardness of the heart.

Silence fosters chastity, nobility, and intelligence; therefore, restrain your tongue from speaking words that you are not compelled to say, especially when there is no worthy listener to whom you are speaking for the sake of God and in the path of God."

(Misbah al-Shari'ah, v. 1, p. 101)

One of the companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him and his family, used to place a small stone in his mouth. Whenever he intended to speak, he would weigh whether his words were for the sake of God. If they were, he would remove the stone from his mouth to speak.

(Misbah al-Shari'ah, v. 1, p. 101)

Thus, to remain protected from the countless slips, errors, and sins that stem from unnecessary speech, we must adorn ourselves with the power of silence.

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The International Service of "Hawzah News Agency"