By M.M. Hassan Abdulhadi Rashid
College of Islamic Sciences – University of Karbala

Do you know what you must have complete control over during fasting?

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said:
“When the son of Adam wakes up, all of his body parts plead with the tongue, saying: ‘Fear Allah concerning us, for we are only as you are; if you are upright, we will be upright, and if you are corrupt, we will be corrupt.’”

Reflect deeply on this hadith. All the body parts submit to the tongue as if they were bowing before their master, begging him to guide them well! The tongue is the leader; if it is righteous, they are righteous, and if it is corrupt, they are corrupt.

Beware of your tongue as you would beware of a snake or a scorpion!

• How many times have you spoken a word that got you into trouble?
• How many times have you regretted words that slipped out without thought?

The tongue is the key to both good and evil, so do not let it speak except what is pure. Just as you safeguard your wealth, safeguard your words—for a single sentence may elevate you, while another may cause your downfall!

Ramadan is your golden opportunity!
It is the month of fasting from food and drink, but it is also a month of fasting from hurtful speech, gossip, and idle talk. Lock this prisoner between your jaws and train it to remain silent except for good.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said in his noble sermon:
“And guard your tongues.”

So, if you ever feel hardness in your heart, weakness in your body, or difficulty in your livelihood, ask yourself: Have I spoken about things that do not concern me?

Make Ramadan the beginning of disciplining this rebellious organ… and beware of letting it escape its prison!