Ponder! (over this) The prophet says as it is reported in the Saheehayn: (Bukhari and Muslim)
“Whoever believes in Allah and the last day should either say good or be silent.”
We have said this more than once that speech and silence can fall into four categories:
- Speech that you will be rewarded for, and speech that you will be sinful for; then silence that you will be rewarded for and silence that you will be sinful for.
The speech that you will be rewarded for is that you should say something good - with knowledge and fairness
- when it is needed.
And the silence that you will be rewarded for is that you should refrain from saying which is bad and hurtful (to others) and (to refrain yourself from) rumors and gossiping, and that which destroys the relationships of others.
The one that you will be rewarded for is that you should refrain yourself from bad speech, then you will be rewarded for this.
And the silence that you will be sinful for is that you should be silent when the explanation of the truth is sought from you, then you will be sinful for this, especially when the people need that you should speak with knowledge and fairness. (and you remain silent).
