The Lust for Speech

Imam Ibrahim bin Adham, a well-known scholar, once came across a man talking about things that had nothing to do with him. He stopped him and asked, "Do you expect to earn a reward from this speech?" The man answered, "No." Imam Ibrahim continued, "Do you feel safe from punishment for it?" The man said, "No." Imam Ibrahim then asked, "So why speak about something that brings you no reward and could lead to punishment?" This simple but powerful moment highlights the importance of speaking with intention, mindfulness, and restraint, values that have long been part of Islamic wisdom.

In today’s world, we all struggle with this "lust for speech" or "???? ??????," but it’s amplified more than ever by social media. Platforms allow us to instantly broadcast our thoughts, and as Andy Warhol’s prediction of “15 minutes of fame” becomes a daily reality, we find ourselves tempted by the quick attention and recognition social media offers. But often, this urge to speak—whether to be seen as knowledgeable or just to be heard—can lead us down paths that don’t add value or meaning to our lives.

Al-‘Ata’ bin Abi Rabah said: “O son of my brother, those who came before you used to dislike excessive speech. Do you not know that you have guardians over you? Would any of you feel ashamed if your daily record were opened, and most of it contained nothing related to your religion or your worldly affairs?”

It’s a reminder to reflect on how we spend our time and the words we use. Are they meaningful, or are we just talking to fill the silence or gain attention?

How “Lust for Speech” Shows Up in Our Lives Today:

• Amplified Desire to Speak: Social media makes it easy to share our thoughts without much reflection, which feeds into our natural desire to be heard.
• The Allure of Instant Fame: Platforms promise quick recognition, which tempts us to speak even when we don’t have much to say.
• Pretending to Know It All: We all know someone (or have been that person) who feels the need to speak on topics they don’t fully understand. It’s the desire for validation or approval that drives this behaviour.
• The Authority of Ambiguity: Some use vague language to create the illusion of deep knowledge, even when they’re not really sure what they’re talking about. It’s more about impressing others than contributing anything of value.

How We Can Overcome the “Lust for Speech”:

1. Work on Ourselves First: Imam Ibrahim's advice to “rectify your inner self” reminds us that when our intentions are pure and we focus on personal growth, our speech naturally becomes more thoughtful and purposeful.
2. Value Silence: Sometimes, less really is more. "Silence is beautiful" teaches us the power of pausing before we speak, allowing space for deeper understanding.
3. Remember the Power of Words: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the importance of controlling our speech. “Whoever guarantees me what is between his two jaws and between his two legs, I guarantee him paradise." It’s a reminder that our words carry weight—let’s make sure they count.
4. Seek Knowledge Honestly: The Qur’an tells us, “Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge” (17:36). It’s okay to admit when we don’t know something. Authentic learning comes from acknowledging our limitations.
5. Don’t Fake Expertise: We don’t need to comment on every topic or pretend to know more than we do. Focusing on what we genuinely understand and striving for clarity helps build trust with others.
6. Practice Restraint: Sometimes it’s better to hold back than to share everything we know, especially if our words might mislead others. Thoughtful, purposeful speech is more impactful.
7. Shift the Focus to the Hereafter: When we prioritise spiritual growth over the need for worldly approval, we naturally feel less pressure to speak just for the sake of being heard.

At the end of the day, we’re all guilty of talking without thinking from time to time. But if we pause and reflect, we can start to speak more mindfully, with purpose and integrity, and avoid falling into the trap of empty words.