Question

What is the source of this narration?

لسان العاقل من وراء قلبه، فإذا عرض له قول نظر, فإن كان له قال، وإن كان عليه أمسك, ولسان الأحمق أمام قلبه، فإذا عرض له القول قال عليه أو له

 

Answer

Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as the statement of Hasan Al Basri (rahimahullah).

Hasan Al Basri (rahimahullah) said: “The tongue of a wise person is behind his heart. When a [thought] presents itself, he inspects. If it will be beneficial for him he will utter it but if it is against him, he will refrain [from uttering it], whereas the tongue of a fool is in front of his heart. When he decides to say something, he utters it regardless of whether it will harm him or benefit him.

(Shu’abul Iman: 4371)

 

Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaybah (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration with variation in the wording.

(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 36784. Also see: Shu’abul Iman: 4679)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar