For God’s Sake, Hold Thy Tongue

 

For God’s Sake, Hold Thy Tongue (Abridged & Edited )

 "Woe to every (kind of) scandal-monger and backbiter." (Qur’an, Chapter: 104, Verse: 1)

 

"The similitude of a person who indulges in backbiting is to a man who has eaten the flesh of his dead brother." (Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Sahih Muslim)

 

"O Allah! I seek refuge in thee from the evil of ears, eyes, heart and tongue." (Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Tirmizi)

 

"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body." (Bible, James 3:2)

 

"Freedom from fear, purity of heart, perseverance. in (pursuit of) knowledge... freedom from the habit of backbiting, compassion for (all) beings, freedom from avarice... are his who is born to god-like endowments." (The Gita, Chapter XVI)

 

"The slanderer carries the great burden of sins, without payment he carries loads." (Guru Granth Sahib, 372)

 

"From the tongue issues the good and also the bad. There is nothing better than a good tongue and nothing worse than an evil one." (Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie)

 

"Give not thy tongue too great liberty, lest it take thee prisoner. A word unspoken is like the sword in the scabbard, thine. If vented, thy word is in another's hand. If thou desire to be held wise, be so wise as to hold thy tongue." (Quarles)

 

"My God, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceit. Be my soul silent to those who reproach me, be my soul humble to all as the dust." (Ameen)

SUMMARY

The lesson "For God's Sake, Hold Thy Tongue" highlights the negative effects of backbiting, or speaking ill of others behind their backs. The Qur'an, Bible, Gita, Guru Granth Sahib, and teachings of Lord Buddha and Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie all denounce backbiting and advocate for right speech. The Prophet Muhammad said that the person who indulges in backbiting is like someone who eats the flesh of their dead brother. The lesson emphasizes the power of the tongue to do good or harm and encourages individuals to control their tongue and refrain from scandal-mongering and backbiting. A prayer is suggested for recitation, asking God to guard the tongue from evil and lips from speaking deceit, and to be silent to those who reproach. The lesson reminds us to be mindful of our speech in order to avoid the negative effects of backbiting on both ourselves and others.

GLOSSARY 

References	Meaning
Aayat	Holy verse
Sahih Muslim	Authentic collection of Hadiths
Hazrat	Honorable
Ibni Hameed (RA)	Son of Hameed (RA), A companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Tirmizi	A collection of Hadiths
Guru Granth Sahib	The holy scripture of Sikhs
Eightfold Path	The path to enlightenment in Buddhism
Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie	Jewish spiritual leader
Quarles	An English poet and playwright
Ameen	A word used to seek blessings or agreement in Islamic prayers

 

Word	Meaning
prevalent	phaili hui
adverse	nuksan pahunchane wala
backbiting	chugli karna
highlighted	zahir kiya gaya
religious	din ke mutabiq
non-religious	din se mutaliq na hona
evil	Burai
admonishes	saza deta hai
scandal-monger	chugli karne wala
backbiter	chugli karne wala
vices	burai
PBUH	peace be upon him
similitude	misal
indulges	sharik ho jata hai
prayer	dua
reciting	tilawat karna
denounces	manhga karta hai
stumble	ghabraana
perfect man	kamil mard
bridle	Lagam kasna
purity	safaai
perseverance	sabar
compassion	rahm
avarice	hirs
ostentation	dikhawa
pride	ghuroor
demoniac	shaitani
slanderer	bohtan baaz
sins	gunaah
Eightfold Path	Ashtang Marg
servant	khidmatgar
evil tongue	buri zuban
disciples	shagird
soft	narm
hard	Sakht
conversation	baat cheet
Quarles	Quarles
liberty	Azadi
Prisoner	Qaidi
unspoken	Ankaha
Sword	talwar
Scabbard	Talwar ki niyam
Vented	nikala hua
Deceit	Dhoka
humble	haleem

Word	Meaning
Backbiting	Belittling of character behind one’s backs
Aayat	Holy verse
Qur’an	Islamic holy book
PBUH	Peace Be Upon Him (used after the name of Prophet Muhammad)
Sahih Muslim	A collection of Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad)
Hazrat	A title of respect
Ibni Hameed (RA)	A companion of Prophet Muhammad
Tirmizi	A collection of Hadith
Gita	A Hindu scripture
Guru Granth Sahib	A holy book of Sikhism
Lord Buddha	The founder of Buddhism
Eightfold Path	A path to enlightenment in Buddhism
Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie	A Jewish Rabbi
Quarles	A poet and playwright
Similitude	Comparison or similarity
Admonishes	Warns or advises against something
Scandal-monger	Someone who spreads rumors or negative information about others
Belittling	Demeaning or diminishing the importance of someone
Motives	Reasons or intentions behind an action
Denounces	Condemns or disapproves of something
Bible	A collection of religious texts in Christianity
Guru Granth Sahib	A holy book of Sikhism
Slanderer	Someone who speaks negatively about others
Ostentation	Showing off or displaying wealth or status in a boastful manner
Avarice	Excessive greed or desire for wealth
Lord Buddha	The founder of Buddhism

 

WORKING WITH TEXT

Q1. What do the Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet (PBUH) tell us on backbiting and scandal-mongering?

Ans. The Qur'an strongly condemns backbiting and scandal-mongering in the strongest terms. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also warned that those who indulge in backbiting are like a person who has eaten the flesh of his dead brother.

Q2. What do the Gita and the Bible tell us on backbiting?

Ans. The Bible says that anyone who does not stumble in what he says is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body. The Gita also states that freedom from the habit of backbiting is one of the god-like endowments.

Q3. What do the Granth Sahib and Lord Buddha tell us on backbiting?

Ans. The Guru Granth Sahib says that the slanderer carries the great burden of sins. Lord Buddha's Eightfold Path emphasizes the importance of living a life based on right speech.

Q4. Why did the servant of Rabbi Simeon bring tongues both the times?

Ans. The servant of Rabbi Simeon brought tongues both times because the Rabbi had asked for something good and something bad, and the servant believed that the tongue was capable of both good and bad speech.

Q5. Why did Rabbi Simeon invite his disciples for a meal?

Ans. Rabbi Simeon invited his disciples for a meal to demonstrate the importance of using a soft tongue in conversation and to choose good speech over bad speech.

Q6. What according to you is the moral of the lesson?

Ans. The moral of the lesson is that backbiting and scandal-mongering are evils that have negative effects on both the person speaking and the person being spoken about. It is important to guard our tongue and use it for good, rather than spreading negativity and malice.

Q7. How does our tongue do good or bad to others?

Ans. Our tongue has the power to do good or evil to others through the words we speak. The way we use our tongue can either build up or tear down others, so it is important to be mindful of the words we say and the impact they may have on others.

LANGUAGE WORK

Add the correct ending to each of the following words and say what each person does or is connected with:

Ans.

Word	Derivative	Definition
Govern	Governor	One who governs a state or province
Cater	Caterer	One who provides food or drink for a social or business function
Translate	Translator	One who translates text from one language to another
Novel	Novelist	One who writes novels
Tour	Tourist	One who undertakes a journey to see a place
Politics	Politician	One who takes part in political activities
Decorate	Decorator	One who decorates houses or buildings
Art	Artist	One who creates art
Economics	Economist	One who studies or works in the field of economics
Drama	Dramatist	One who writes plays or dramas
Cricket	Cricketer	One who plays the sport of cricket
Engine	Engineer	One who designs, builds or maintains engines or machinery
History	Historian	One who studies or writes about history
Mountain	Mountaineer	One who climbs mountains
Donate	Donor	One who gives money or goods to a cause or organization
Grammar	Grammarian	One who studies or has expertise in grammar
Auction	Auctioneer	One who conducts auctions
Science	Scientist	One who studies or works in a scientific field
Teach	Teacher	One who teaches in a classroom or educational setting
Electricity	Electrician	One who works with electricity, such as installing or repairing electrical systems
Physics	Physicist	One who studies or works in the field of physics
Write	Writer	One who writes, such as novels, articles, or scripts
Speak	Speaker	One who delivers a speech or presentation
Win	Winner	One who comes in first place or achieves success
Mathematics	Mathematician	One who studies or works in the field of mathematics

GRAMMAR WORK

Complete each sentence with an adverb. The first letters of each adverb are given.

1.  We didn’t go out because it was raining heavily.

2.  Our team lost the game because we played badly.

3.  I had little difficulty finding a place to live. I found a flat easily.

4.  We had to wait for a long time, but we didn’t complain. We waited patiently.

5.  Nobody knew Atif was coming to see us. He arrived unexpectedly.

6.  Zeeshan keeps fit by playing tennis regularly.

7.  I don’t speak Punjabi very well, but I can understand it perfectly if spoken slowly and clearly.

Put in the correct word.

1.     Two people are seriously injured in the accident. (Serious / seriously)

2.     The driver of the car had serious injuries. (Serious / seriously)

3.     I think you behaved very selfishly. (Selfish / selfishly)

4.     Razia is terribly upset about losing her job. (Terrible / terribly)

5.     There was a sudden change in the weather. (Sudden / suddenly)

6.     Everybody at the marriage party was colourfully dressed. (Colourful / colourfully)

7.     Aslam speaks English fluently. (Fluent / fluently)

8.     Ved Sir fell and hurt himself quite badly. (Bad / badly)

9.     Hafeez didn’t do well at school because he was taught badly. (Bad / badly)

10.  Don’t go up that ladder. It doesn't look safe. (Safe / safely)

EXTRA ASSESSMENT ITEMS FOR TEACHERS

1. What is the main topic of the text? a) The importance of backbiting b) The evil effects of backbiting c) The dangers of using the tongue d) The consequences of scandal-mongering
2. According to the text, what does the Qur'an say about backbiting? a) It is a minor offense b) It is a necessary act c) It is strongly condemned d) It is not mentioned
3. What is the similitude of a person who indulges in backbiting according to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? a) A person who eats the flesh of his dead brother b) A person who is always truthful c) A person who is always kind d) A person who is always helpful
4. What does the Bible say about backbiting? a) It is not mentioned b) It is a minor offense c) It is a necessary act d) We all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body.
5. According to the Gita, what are the characteristics of a person born to god-like endowments? a) Freedom from fear, purity of heart, perseverance in pursuit of knowledge, freedom from the habit of backbiting, compassion for all beings, freedom from avarice b) Freedom from fear, freedom from the habit of backbiting, compassion for all beings, freedom from avarice c) Freedom from fear, freedom from the habit of backbiting, compassion for all beings d) Freedom from fear, freedom from the habit of backbiting
6. What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about slanderers? a) They are the great burden of sins, without payment they carry loads b) They are highly respected c) They are not mentioned d) They are rewarded for their actions
7. According to Lord Buddha, what is necessary for living a life based on right speech? a) Following the Eightfold Path b) Practicing meditation c) Reading religious texts d) Following the Five Precepts
8. What did Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie say to his servant about the tongue? a) "Go to the market and buy me something good to eat" b) "Go to the market and buy me something that is not good" c) "The tongue is not important" d) "The tongue is only for speaking truth"
9.  According to Quarles, what should one do to be held wise? a) Speak truth always b) Speak only when necessary c) Speak frequently d) Hold thy tongue
10.  What should one recite to guard against the malice of scandal-mongering and backbiting? a) "My God, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceit. Be my soul silent to those who reproach me, be my soul humble to all as the dust. Ameen!" b) "My God, guide me to speak truth always. Be my soul strong against those who reproach me, be my soul proud to all as the leader. Ameen!" c) "My God, give me the power to backbite. Be my soul loud to those who reproach me, be my soul arrogant to all as the powerful. Amen!" d) "My God, protect me from backbiting. Be my soul silent to those who reproach me, be my soul humble to all as the dust. Ameen!
11. What does the Qur'an say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in the Qur'an d) It is encouraged
12.  According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), what is the similitude of a person who indulges in backbiting? a) A person who has eaten the flesh of his dead brother b) A person who has committed a minor sin c) A person who has committed a major sin d) A person who is forgiven by God
13. What does the Bible say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in the Bible d) It is encouraged
14.  What does the Gita say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in the Gita d) It is discouraged
15. What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib d) It is discouraged
16.   What does Lord Buddha say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in Lord Buddha's teachings d) It is discouraged
17. What does Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie say about the tongue? a) The tongue is a good thing b) The tongue is a bad thing c) The tongue is both good and bad d) The tongue is not mentioned in Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie's teachings
18. According to Quarles, what should one do with their tongue? a) Give it great liberty b) Hold it prisoner c) Speak deceit d) Use it wisely
19. What prayer should one recite to refrain from backbiting? a) My God, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceit b) My God, forgive me for backbiting c) My God, guide me to be a better person d) My God, bless my tongue with goodness
20.  How should one act towards those who reproach them? a) Retaliate with harsh words b) Speak deceit c) Remain silent d) Be humble as the dust.

Fill in the blank:

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) compared a person who indulges in backbiting to a man who has __________.

True or False:

All religions in the world denounce backbiting.