Last week I was impressed by the Reverend Gavin Tyte's article entitled “How can we tame the tongue?” His advice was simply to become more like Jesus by hanging out with Him.

Literally that is impossible, however spiritually it means to study the behaviour and ways of Jesus. This is excellent advice, as Jesus was perfection personified.

Muslims love Jesus, as in Islam he is known as Prophet Isa, and is much beloved and revered by Muslims, so much so that whenever his name is mentioned, we say a prayer of “al-salaam” (peace be unto him). Islam has the same ideology that one must control the tongue. The tongue, we are cautioned will take one to Jahannam (Hell) if not guarded.

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Among all things, the tongue deserves to be prisoned longer than anything else. Because most of our sins are committed by it.”

The tongue is responsible for so much adversity such as backbiting (gossiping) telling lies, slander, insults, uttering unkind and jeering words and the beat goes on. The tongue, it is said, can cut deeper than a knife or even a sword.

On the other hand, when used correctly, the tongue is beautiful and inspiring. The tongue can be a double-edged sword, so it is imperative to use it for good. Indeed, keeping the tongue in check is a virtue.

The Koran places a strong emphasis on controlling the tongue and protecting others from its harmful effects. The Prophet said that using a harsh tongue and swearing can be just as hurtful as killing someone.

I was taught as a child that: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

How many times could a volatile situation have turned out differently if the tone and choice of words were less harsh?

Of course what rolls off the tongue is inspired by our thoughts, in turn which is inspired by our inner spirit or soul. The soul is nurtured by what it is fed. Therefore a steady diet of good and virtuous thoughts will eliminate any ills of the tongue.

Allah, glorious and exalted is He, sends messengers to give the people the message of how to grow and live spiritually-based lives. The messengers have exemplary characters for us to follow.

Muslims call this the “sunnah”, meaning the physical behaviours of the prophets. The sunnah of prophets never faltered. Therefore, if perfectly followed, we could never be led astray and our tongues would only utter truthful, beautiful, virtuous and inspiring words that would reflect a perfect character.

In the teachings of Islamic spirituality, much is written on the benefit of restraining our tongue. The tongue is referred to as the mirror of the heart, indicating that the words coming out of our mouths are a significant indicator of what is in our hearts.

Allah said in the noble Koran: “Tell my servants, to say what is best.” (17:53) The second is “And say to the people what is good.” (2:83)

Our Prophet Muhammad also advised that, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say what is good or let him be silent.” (Bukhari).

Again, in this present day we hear it over and over that if we can’t say something good, say nothing at all; but how many of us take heed of such advice?

Our hearts and our tongue need to be strengthen with virtues, we must build better characteristics within. We have the tools, let’s use them.

There is power in the tongue if there is purity of the heart.

Bermuda have a blessed weekend and a harmonious week.

Let’s continue to remember, support and pray for those suffering under tyranny, genocide and war.

Let peace begin and reign, let our voices be heard to ceasefire now.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam