The Importance of Restraining the Tongue and Examining Intention
Excessive talk, boasting of the self, and carelessly expressing whatever comes to mind is a spiritual ailment that quickly extinguishes the heart’s light. The intelligent person is one who filters their words through the depths of their mind and especially their heart before expressing them. “The tongue of the ignorant precedes the heart. The tongue of the wise and rational is hidden behind the heart.” Shaykh Geylani commands inner reflection before speaking: “Whenever you are about to speak a word, ponder, ponder… Why are you speaking?
Divine Conversation Through Silence
The deepest secrets of spirituality and true awakening begin where chatter ends, in the absolute realm of silence. “When you speak, speak with good intentions. When you are silent, nourish good feelings in your heart.” Silence is not merely restraining the tongue; it is silencing objections and fleeting desires within the heart. The servant who cleanses their inner self from worldly gossip ultimately attains the honor of directly conversing with Allah. For this station, which is the pinnacle of Sufi experience, is expressed by the immense moment of listening and submission: “Look to becoming a companion of conversation with the Truth.