Silence carries power. However, many people will ignore it. In our modern world, everyone talks all the time. Our phones ring. Our screens flash. Everyone wants to yell louder and faster. Islam indicates something different. It shows that silence is not a weakness. In fact, silence can be powerful.
Just Islam and psychology show us that silence heals the heart and mind. Silence is not an empty experience. It is full of wisdom. Now, let us review how silence might mediate this experience both in faith and science.
Read more: Don’t Let Go of What Stays in Your Heart
Do Nothing by Doing Nothing
For this blog, let’s think about silence. Silence can serve to strengthen relationships. It can allow space for people to avoid saying hurtful things. It can also provide an opportunity for people to understand each other. At times, silence can be more valuable than giving people advice. Simply just being there is okay.
When we are listening fully, we care for these people – that care brings love and trust. So silence is not cold. It is warm and considered.
Silence in the Teachings of Islam
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” This hadith is of great importance. It reminds us that silence is often preferable to faulty speech.
Islam makes it clear that we should not gossip, lie, or speak useless words. Every word has value. The angels write down every word we say. If we remain silent, we remain safe. We will not commit sins. Our hearts will be pure.
The Quran and Silence
The Quran addresses silence too! It presents stories where silence reflects deep belief. One such account is that of the Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him). For three days, he was silent, a powerful testament to his trust in Allah. In a way, his silence created safety and stillness for contemplation.
Silence helps Muslims remain calm. It also allows them to listen intently. A quiet heart is closer to Allah and when we speak less, we listen more. When we listen more, we learn more.
Silence Brings Peace
The volume of noise can tire the mind. Loudness can hurt feelings. Disagreements and noise can lead to stress. Silence cures all of these ailments. Silence creates space for peace.
An informal, quiet person, thinks prior to speaking. They do not rush to respond. They speak only when they feel the time and words are appropriate. Hence, people respect them more and their silence feels deeper and more considered.
Psychology: Silence Calms the Brain
Psychologists have said silence is beneficial for mental health. When the world is too loud, pressure builds on the brain. Sitting in quiet causes the brain to relax.
Even two minutes of silence will then reduce stress. It helps your body to breathe at a slower rate and slows your heart rate. Silence will help clear the brain. People can think clearer and have more focus.
In fact, silence creates activity in areas of the brain that support memory and attention and help people process their emotions. This is the same reason many therapists will suggest setting quiet time for healing.
Silence Teaches Self-Control
Speaking without thinking often leads to regrets. Silence teaches us to first examine our thoughts. We learn patience and we learn wisdom. As in Islam, we learn “hikmah”.
Psychologists also support this notion that silence gives us space from something in our minds and actions. This space gives us an opportunity to decide how to better respond. We stop reacting quickly and instead, we act mindfully.
This habit helps strengthen relationships and stops anger and guilt from focusing our minds. People who practice silence often become more peaceful and confident.
Silence and Worship
Silence makes for better worship. In Salah, Muslims pray and remain quiet and focused. In sujood, silence can connect the heart to Allah. Also, in dhikr, silence prepares the heart and mind to remember Allah in a better way.
When we are silent and stop talking before dua, we sense Allah’s presence in our hearts. The heart is softened. Eyes may become teary. This silence is not void of expression, but alive with faith.
The Sunnah of Silence
The Prophet (peace be upon him) would spend time alone, in silence. He would quietly reflect in the cave of Hira. He didn’t rush to speak. Moreover, He listened. He was a person with a calm demeanor.
In our daily lives as Muslims, we can be mindful of this Sunnah. We can find a time to be in silence daily. Even a few minutes of silence can change our way of thinking and feeling.
Avoiding Useless Speech
Many people talk simply to kill time. They talk about others, they complain or say too much “stuff,” and this weakens the soul.
Islam tells us to avoid “law” – useless speech. Each minute is a gift. Each word is a choice. Being in silence saves us from wasting time and hurting a person.
Preparing Yourself for Silence
Start by practicing with smaller steps. For instance, don’t talk when you’re feeling angry. Deep breathe. Count to ten. Walk away.
Also trying to listen more in conversations. Let each person finish talking. Don’t interrupt others. Give people your undivided attention. You are bound to learn more.
Find a quiet place every day. Sit in stillness. Close your eyes. Focus on your breath. Think about Allah. These are small habits that feed the growth of your soul.
The World We Live in Needs Silence.
In the present time, life happens in an instant. People are so consumed or distracted by social media and messages continuously coming day and night. Yet the heart feels emotional tiredness. The brain feels full. The soul feels empty.
That is why silence is needed now more than ever. Silence is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. It helps us return to who we are, and it connects us with our purpose and Allah.
In Closing
Silence is more than not making a sound. It is making peace. Islam teaches us the value of silence.
So, take a moment today. Get quiet. Deep breathe. Talk less. Listen more. In that silence, you may discover answers. You may find strength. You may listen that your soul is whispering the truth to you.
Follow silence to your path.
