THE VALUE OF SILENCE
Silence is Golden
ONE of the values on which the Quran lays emphasis is silence. But it is not silence just for the sake of silence. Quranic silence is for contemplation, to understand more and more and to enhance learning. It is a culture of silence in the complete sense of the word. There is a relevant verse in the chapter Al-A‘raf (The Heights), the translation of which is as follows:
When the Quran is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace, so that you may receive mercy. (7: 204)
This means when the Quran is recited, you should remain silent and listen to it with total attention. This verse gives us a general principle with a particular reference, that is, when you read or listen to or observe something, keep complete silence and try to understand, focusing all your attention on it. This kind of habit is essential if the spirit of learning is to be inculcated.
The Quran tries to develop one’s thinking capacity, it tries to build a mind that can understand things in the deeper sense and analyze them with objectivity. The art of silence is necessary to be able to accomplish all these things.
There is a saying: “When I am speaking, I am not listening, and when I am not listening, I am not learning.” This saying has the same meaning as is expressed in the aforementioned verse of the Quran.
Silence is not simply refraining from speech. It is more than that. When the human mind, with its unlimited capacity, stops speaking, it instantly starts thinking. The mind is a super-computer, switched on at the time of birth and continuing to function eternally. It can never be switched off. Thinking is a continuous process of the mind. The word ‘rest’ is not to be found in the human lexicon where the mind is concerned.
What is thinking? It is to reflect, it is to consider, it is to activate and utilize one's intellectual capacity. Bringing the intellectual faculties into play enables one to arrive at meaningful conclusions. The mind is the most elevated part of a human being and thinking is its supreme role. It is said that man is a thinking animal. So thinking is the most important process which occurs in a human being. All the great discoveries have been the result of thinking.
Thinking is not an occasional activity of the mind: it is a continuous process, and it happens not only in the daytime, but also when you are asleep at night. The only difference at that time is that it is transferred from the conscious to the sub-conscious mind.
The issue of silence can be better understood with the following example. According to the nature of mind, speaking means to stop the process of thinking, whereas when you are silent you are allowing your mind to carry on its thinking processes without any interruption. Just as a speed breaker on the road reduces the speed of the passing vehicles, human speech breaks man’s continuous journey of thought. Silence is a positive habit, it helps you to learn more and develop your personality unhindered.
After having understood the importance of silence it is equally important to learn the right use of speech. In this context the Quran has the following guidance. In chapter Al-Nisa (Women) it is mentioned: There is no good in most of their secret talk, except in the case of those who enjoin charity and kindness, or reconciliation between people. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of God, We will give him an immense reward. (4: 114)
This Quranic verse sets the standard for secret as well as open talk, namely, soundness and utility. One can only live up to this standard by being sincere in what one says and speaking only after analyzing the matter at hand. What one says should stem from a positive mind. According to this verse, a person must refrain from futile talk. He should never indulge in talking just for the sake of talking.
The Quran tries to develop one’s thinking capacity, it tries to build a mind that can understand things in the deeper sense and analyze them with objectivity. The art of silence is necessary to be able to accomplish all these things.
Now, the question is what is the best manner of speaking? And what content of one’s speech may be regarded as worthwhile? The Quranic criterion for proper social interaction is based on three principles. All three principles are described in the above verse of the Quran, which can be set forth as follows:
Charity, that is, speaking with the true giving spirit.
Kindness, that is, speaking with the spirit of well-wishing towards others. Conciliation, that is, speaking in such a way as to create an atmosphere of harmony among people.
This is what constitutes well thought-out speech and is the only legitimate use of one’s tongue. Such a speech is useful to both the speaker as well as the listener. For the speaker’s part, it conveys sincerity and positivity, while for the listener it is also fruitful in all respects. The tongue is a very important organ of a human being; but it is like a double-edged sword. It has plus points as well as minus points. The right use of the tongue can produce a healthy atmosphere in society. Conversely, the wrong use of the tongue is so baneful that it may destroy the whole social fabric. The right use of the tongue can create the spirit of love among people, while the wrong use of the tongue will create hatred and intolerance in society.
Make your speech the result of positive thinking, rather than an abrupt expression of ill-considered ideas. Speak with charity, kindness and conciliation, or else remain silent.
The tongue is a great blessing for humankind. No creature other than man possesses such an asset. Meaningful speech is a very rare phenomenon in the universe. It is only human beings who have this unique capacity. No other creation can enter into a meaningful conversation. In terms of use, this unique blessing can be described in two different ways—healthy use of the tongue and an unhealthy use of the tongue. One who uses his tongue along healthy lines will receive a double reward. This will help develop his personality and then he will receive more and more blessings from the Creator. Therefore, make your speech the result of positive thinking, rather than an abrupt expression of ill-considered ideas. Speak with charity, kindness and conciliation, or else remain silent.
Reality
Look at things from the point of
reality and not from the point of
personal desires and whims.