By: Mohammad Taukir Rahmani
EC Exclusive
If there is any single organ in the human body that serves as a bridge between thought, feeling, and expression, it is the tongue. It is not merely a piece of flesh, but a reflective mirror that connects the inner cosmos of a person to the outer world—a medium through which glimpses of one’s soul can be seen. Though lifeless in itself, language becomes the bearer of human spirit, often unlocking the deepest chambers of the heart.
As man journeys through the vastness of life, he depends on a variety of tools and resources. Yet language stands apart, for it does more than fulfill needs—it defines identity, articulates emotions, conveys ideas, and forms the basis of human relationships. Strangely enough, life can continue even in the absence of language, but such life often resembles a silent darkness. Society tends to categorize those without speech as “disabled,” mistaking their silence as a sign of inferiority. Perhaps that is why the one deprived of the gift of speech becomes its truest appreciator, as echoed in the Qur’anic principle: “And if you were to count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them.”
—And in the wisdom of the old saying: “The worth of a blessing is known only after it is lost.”
If the human body were likened to a city, the tongue would be its spokesperson—delivering news from the heart and mind, and clothing thoughts in the fabric of expression. While every organ has its role, the tongue holds a unique power: it can be the foundation of peace or the spark of conflict. A single word from the wise may heal a wounded heart, while a careless remark from the ignorant can tear souls apart. If speech is not guided by wisdom and empathy, even fragrance may reek of foulness.
Life bears countless testimonies to the dual power of the tongue. Sweet speech is a subtle enchantment that captures hearts, while bitter language is a venom that dissolves even age-old bonds. Eloquence is not just etiquette; it is a sacred decree that governs the kingdom of hearts. Those who abide by it are cherished and respected; those who violate it are shunned like a social ailment. Indeed, the wounds of the tongue often outlast the wounds of the sword.
In this regard, the prophetic words of the Messenger of Mercy ﷺ serve as a timeless mirror: “Indeed, the worst among people is the one whom others avoid due to the obscenity of his speech.”
(Sahihul Bukhari, 6054)
This hadith does not merely preach morality; it offers a profound blueprint for nurturing delicate human relations. Foul language diminishes a person’s worth in the eyes of others, whereas gracious speech elevates them to thrones within the hearts of people.
How a person uses their tongue reveals layers of their inner refinement, upbringing, intellect, and spiritual intuition. It is on this scale that the noble is distinguished from the ignorant, the enlightened from the blind-hearted, and the pious from the immoral. If the tongue is molded by wisdom, compassion, and dignity, it transforms mere words into living realities. But when driven by ignorance, resentment, and hatred, it can degrade a person lower than even the devil.
Thus, the tongue is not merely a tool for speech—it is a ladder to human nobility, social harmony, and spiritual ascension. When used rightly, it not only cultivates a civilized society but ennobles the individual, illuminates hearts, and forges relationships that stand the test of time.
