Imam Abdulsalam Olayiwola, an Ilorin-based Islamic cleric, on Saturday admonished Muslims to beware of utterances capable of causing mischief and evil in the society.
The Imam, who gave the advice in his Ramadan tafsir in Ilorin, warned that Allah does not love hurtful speech and advised Muslims to beware of all utterances.
He said there is power in speech, and “some individuals used their tongues to cause disunity and rancour”.
The cleric specifically advised couples, especially women, against disreputing their husbands, looking down on them because of economic challenges, and causing them sadness.
Olayiwola warned Muslims against double standards, pointing out that polygamous men who did not treat their wives equally, were sinning in the sight of Allah.
“Do not speak ill about your spouses, whether male or female. Don’t indulge in speaking ills about others behind their back,” he said.
The cleric also admonished Muslims against regarding themselves as better than others, but to always strive to be good in the worship of Allah and helping others.
“The tongue has been known to cause evil. It is past time of some people to cause mayhem and disunity among friends, family and at the workplace.
“The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has stated ‘every utterance will be accounted for on the day of reckoning’ and urge us at all times to speak good or stay silent,” he said.
Olayiwola pointed out that the tongue had either power of good or bad; however, Allah had ordained Muslims not to belittle the value of words.
“He has also told us not to utter words of no use or to have no control over our speech or ability to foresee the repercussions of our words.
“Allah, the Exalted, says: ‘Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)’.
“Allah has praised the believers who refrain from vain pursuits (curiosity), gossip and backbiting,” he said.
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