The Rules Of Conduct Of The Tongue

(Excerpted from Futuwat namah by Khwaja Husayn Wa’iz Kashifi Sabzawari An Naqshbandi Translated by M. Nur Abdussalam)

If asked: What are the rules of conduct of the tongue? Say: To speak about six things and to be silent about eight.

If asked: What are the six things one should say? Say: 

1.      Recitation of the Quran which is the Word of God and the refuge from the accursed Satan.
2.      The remembrance of God, which polishes the heart.
3.      The words of the Prophets, Imams, and religious scholars who spread guidance among mankind.
4.      Religious law and rules, for religion and the world prosper through them.
5.      To express when necessary what is secreted in hearts.
6.      Speaking out so that the evil of the oppressor may be lifted from the oppressed and they may receive succor and the deprived benefited.

If asked: What are the eight things one should not utter? Say:

1.      Lies, for the liar is the enemy of God.
2.      The breaking of a promise, for that is the characteristics of the hypocrite.
3.      Calumnies and false accusations, for they are the acts of the dissolute.
4.      Controversy, enmity, slander, and faultfinding, for these are prompted by Satan.
5.      Self-praise and glorification, for these are proofs of pride and rebellion.
6.      The cursing of servants and attendants, for that is the work of a tyrant.
7.      Praying for evil and imprecation, for they tarnish the heart and soul.
8.      Jokes, buffoonery, mockery, and loud jests, for they create much sorrow.