Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what is good or keep silent

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed out that a person who believes in Allah and the Last Day, that he will be resurrected and recompensed therein for his deeds, is driven by his belief to do these things: First: good words: Examples of good words include glorification of Allah and proclamation of His oneness, enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong, and reconciling between people. If a person does not say something good, he should then keep silent, restraining his tongue and sparing people from his harm. Second: honoring the neighbors: by being benevolent to them and not causing them any harm. Third: honoring the guests: by speaking to them in a nice manner, presenting food to them, and so on.

Lessons

• Belief in Allah and the Last Day is the basis of all goodness, prompting people to do good.
• The Hadīth warns against the bad use of the tongue.
• Islam is a religion of cordiality and generosity.
• These traits fall under the branches of faith and belong to sublime ethics.
• Speaking a lot may lead one to what is disliked or prohibited. Safety lies in keeping silent unless one says something good.