The Virtues of Silence in Islam: Evidence from the Quran and Sunnah

In the light of the Quran and Sunnah, we can say the following:

Silence is a virtue that is praised and encouraged in Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 

مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or keep silent.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Silence is a way of avoiding sins of the tongue, such as lying, backbiting, slandering, and cursing. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 

 ‏ مَنْ يَضْمَنْ لِي مَا بَيْنَ لَحْيَيْهِ وَمَا بَيْنَ رِجْلَيْهِ أَضْمَنْ لَهُ الْجَنَّةَ ‏

“Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6474]

Silence is a sign of wisdom and intelligence. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 

الْكَيِّسُ مَنْ دَانَ نَفْسَهُ وَعَمِلَ لِمَا بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ وَالْعَاجِزُ مَنْ أَتْبَعَ نَفْسَهُ هَوَاهَا وَتَمَنَّى عَلَى اللَّهِ 

“The intelligent person is the one who subjugates his soul and works for what comes after death, and the foolish person is the one who follows his desires and hopes for Allah’s forgiveness.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2459]

Silence is a means of attaining Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَجَاوَزَ لأُمَّتِي عَمَّا حَدَّثَتْ بِهِ أَنْفُسَهَا مَا لَمْ تَعْمَلْ بِهِ أَوْ تَكَلَّمْ بِهِ

 “Allah will forgive my ummah (nation) for whatever they say to themselves, as long as they do not utter it or act upon it.” [Sunan Ibn Majah 2040]

Here are some of the benefits of silence from a psychological and physiological perspective:

- Silence encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, which can reduce anxiety and calm the nervous system.

- Silence stimulates brain cells and promotes brain growth, especially in the hippocampus, which is linked to memory, learning, and emotions.

- Silence relieves stress and lowers cortisol and adrenaline levels, which can have a positive effect on blood pressure and blood circulation to the brain.

- Silence fights insomnia and improves sleep quality by helping to break the train of everyday thoughts and provoke a relaxation response.

- Silence heightens sensitivity and awareness in other areas by refraining from speech and other distractions.