The Bondage of Speech and Harmony with the Heart
Speech is the most prominent translator of a person’s inner world. However, in Islamic ethics and Sufi upbringing, unnecessary talk and saying whatever comes to mind are seen as a great spiritual danger. Abdülkadir Geylânî (q.s.) explains the fundamental difference between the ignorant and the wise through the positioning of language: “The tongue of the ignorant is before their heart. The tongue of the scholar and those with understanding is hidden behind their heart.” An ignorant person speaks without thinking about what they will say or considering their intentions; whereas a perfect person filters every word they intend to utter through the sieve of their heart and Divine approval, only expressing it if it is beneficial.
Silence as a Method of Training
One of the first steps in the spiritual journey is silence. A believer who wants to build their inner world should refrain from verbal clutter, empty debates, and unnecessary explanations. Geylânî (q.s.) advises those entering the path of truth: “You must abandon your strength and power… The circuit of silence has not ended; what will you say?” A person should remain silent and wait until their inner self is filled with knowledge of Allah. When the time comes to speak, it is not their own ego that prompts them, but the power of God. Periods spent in silence mature the heart and make it sensitive to Divine mysteries.
The Silence of Conversation with Truth
For those advanced in spirituality, silence is not only about not speaking outwardly, but also the highest form of heartfelt conversation with Allah. “Look towards being a companion in conversation with Him. His conversation is truly silence. It is such a silent realm that every word unfolds there.” When a person fully realizes they are in the presence of God, their tongue becomes speechless, words lose their meaning, and only the heart’s silent lament or awe comes into play. The Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him), “The tongue of one who attains knowledge of God’s power with insight is restrained,” also shows that this exalted rank is adorned with silence.
Speaking with Permission and Scattering Wisdom
Those refined individuals, matured in the fire of silence, speak only with Allah’s permission and guidance. Every word that comes out of their mouth is like a medicinal remedy given by a doctor to a patient. Because they speak not from their own desires but directly from Divine inspiration, their words revive dead hearts and heal spiritual distress. True wisdom lies in knowing where to be silent and where to speak for Allah.