Weighing One’s Intention Before Speaking
In Sufism (taṣawwuf) training, the organ to which a person must pay the most attention is the “tongue.” Speaking unnecessarily, engaging in backbiting, or praising oneself quickly extinguishes the light of the qalb (the heart). Geylânî (may Allah sanctify his secret) explains that every word a person utters must undergo strict scrutiny as follows: “Whenever you are about to speak a word, think, think… Why are you speaking; what aim do you pursue with that word, and what is your intention? Think about these, then speak.” Any word whose intention is not the riḍā (contentment with God's decree) of Allah is a spiritual burden upon the servant’s neck.
The Tongue of the Ignorant and the Silence of the Learned
The most evident sign of possessing intellect and spiritual insight is to speak little and to reflect much. “The tongue of the ignorant is in front of his qalb (the heart). The tongue of the learned and the person of intellect is hidden behind his qalb.” The ignorant person immediately says whatever comes to mind and later regrets it; the perfected person first tests his words on the touchstone of ikhlas (sincerity) in his qalb, and only utters them if they will bring benefit. “When you speak, speak with good intention. When you are silent, harbor good feelings in your qalb.”
The Transformation of Silence into Divine Companionship
On the spiritual path, the deepest conversations actually begin where words end. When a person silences the carnal noises within, his qalb begins to converse directly with Allah. “Strive to be among those who keep company with the Real (al-Ḥaqq). True companionship with Him is, in its fullest sense, silence.” The servant who guards his tongue and dons proper etiquette ultimately attains the springs of wisdom of the Real, and even his silence becomes a light that brings healing to people.