Preparing for Ramadan Tip #2

Preparing for Ramadan Tip #2: Just like we train ourselves to withstand hunger during Ramadan, we also have to train ourselves to withstand the traps of our tongue.

Measure and weigh every word that comes out of your mouth (or in these days, what you type online!) and realize it is either for you or against you.

Abide by the beautiful golden rule of speech mentioned by our Prophet ﷺ : “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Imam Ahmad (r) said: “The one fasting should protect his fast from (the evil) of his tongue. He should not argue. He should guard his fasting. They (the Salaf) used to sit in the masjids when they would fast and say, ‘We will guard our fast, and we will not backbite anyone.’

One should not do anything that will diminish (the rewards of) his fasting.”(Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudama)

’Umar ibn Al-Khattab (r) said: “Fasting is not just (giving up) food and drink, rather it is giving up lying, falsehood, idle talk and swearing.” (Ibn Abi Shaiba 8882)

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) took a hold of his tongue and then said: ‘Restrain this.’

I (Mu’adh, may Allah be pleased with him) said: ‘O Prophet of Allah, will we be brought to account for what we say?’

He said: ‘May your mother lose you, O Mu’adh! Are people thrown onto their faces in Hell for anything other than the harvest of their tongues?’” (Sunan Ibn Majah, hadith hasan)