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Tuesday - 20 October, 2026 7-Jumada Al Awwal-1448
Duas for Character and Morals

Dua for Controlling the Tongue and Speech

An authentic Prophetic supplication seeking refuge in Allah from the evils of speech, hearing, and the heart, enabling control over the tongue.

The tongue is one of the smallest organs, yet its misuses—such as backbiting (Gheebah), lying, slander (Nameemah), and idle talk—can cause immense spiritual harm. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ guaranteed Paradise to whoever safeguards their tongue and private parts (Sahih al-Bukhari). Controlling the tongue requires mindfulness, silence when speech is unnecessary, and seeking divine protection from the evils of speech.

Meaning and Explanation

This comprehensive authentic supplication from Sunan Abu Dawud and Sunan at-Tirmidhi seeks refuge from using any sensory organ in sinful ways. Asking protection from the 'evil of my tongue' shields the believer from backbiting, lying, cursing, and foolish arguments.

When to Recite

Recite during morning and evening Adhkar, after daily prayers, during heated arguments, or whenever feeling tempted to speak ill of others.

How to Recite

Recite with sincere intention, pause before speaking to evaluate whether your words are beneficial or harmful, and practice the Sunnah rule: speak good or remain silent.

Important Notes

Reported in Sunan Abu Dawud and Sunan at-Tirmidhi. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent' (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Benefits

Guards against sins of the tongue (backbiting, lying, slander), promotes righteous silence, protects good deeds from erosion, and instills wisdom in speech.

Additional Duas

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ صَمْتِي فِكْرًا وَنُطْقِي ذِكْرًا

Allahummaj-'al samti fikran wa nutqi dhikra.

O Allah, make my silence a time of reflection and my speech a remembrance of You.

Source

Hadith — Sunan Abu Dawud — Sunan Abu Dawud 1551 / Sunan at-Tirmidhi 3492

Authenticity: Sahih (Authentic)

Prophetic supplication seeking refuge from the evils of hearing, sight, tongue, and heart.

Hadith — Sahih al-Bukhari — Sahih al-Bukhari 6018

Authenticity: Sahih (Authentic)

Hadith where the Prophet ﷺ instructs believers to speak good or remain silent.

Content type: Hadith
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Tags: controlling the tongue speech backbiting gheebah silence prophetic dua

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The authentic prayer reported in Sunan Abu Dawud and Sunan at-Tirmidhi: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri lisani, wa min sharri qalbi' is the best dua for controlling the tongue.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent' (Sahih al-Bukhari).