An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
8. Manners In Speech
~ 183 ~
“Messenger of God, we know nothing of Kaab but
good.”
(AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)
HOLDING ONE’S TONGUE: THE KEY TO
RIGHTEOUSNESS
While on a journey with the Prophet, Muadh ibn
Jabal asked him to show him how to behave so that
he should go straight to Heaven and be saved from
the Fire. “What you ask is of very great
importance,” replied the Prophet, “but it is not
difficult for one for whom God has made it easy.
Simply serve God, ascribing to Him no partner; say
your prayers, pay zakat, fast and perform the
pilgrimage to the House of God.” then he
continued, “Shall I tell you of the gate to all
goodness? It is fasting, which is like a shield, and
charity, which washes away sin in the way that
water douses a fire; and rising and saying one’s
prayer in the stillness of the night. And shall I tell
you of the foundation, pillars and roof of the edifice
of religion?” Muadh showed his eagerness for the
Prophet to tell him. “The foundation is Islam, the
pillars are prayers, and roof the struggle for God’s
