How does one protect himself from saying or being affected by an evil word?
كيف يحمي العبد نفسه من الوقوع في الكلمة السيئة ومن أثرها؟
The Quran points out three specific ways to protect oneself from the negative effects of an evil word. When people speak hurtfully, turning to the Creator is the ultimate remedy for a distressed heart.
يشير القرآن إلى ثلاثة مواضع لحماية القلب من أثر الكلام السيئ. فعندما يتحدث الناس بكلام جارح، يكون اللجوء إلى الخالق هو العلاج الأمثل للقلب المكروب.
The First Remedy: Glorification and Prayer | العلاج الأول: التسبيح والصلاة
Allah Almighty says: (We certainly know that your heart is truly distressed by what they say. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be one of those who always pray) Surah Al Hijr 15: 97 to 98.
This Ayah combines the Thikr (remembrance of Allah) together with prayers. It means that a person who feels distressed by what people say should keep himself busy by aiming to achieve Allah's Pleasure by glorifying Allah and praying.
قال الله تعالى: (وَلَقَدْ نَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ يَضِيقُ صَدْرُكَ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ ﴿٩٧﴾ فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَكُن مِّنَ السَّاجِدِينَ ﴿٩٨﴾) الحجر 15: 97 إلى 98.
هذه الآية تجمع بين ذكر الله والصلاة، ومعنى ذلك أن العبد إن ضاق صدره بكلام الخلق فعليه الانشغال بمرضاة الخالق من التسبيح والصلاة.
The Second and Third Remedies: Patience and Daily Thikr | العلاجان الثاني والثالث: الصبر وأذكار اليوم
Allah Almighty says: (So be patient O Prophet with what they say. And glorify the praises of your Lord before sunrise and before sunset) Surah Qaf 50: 39.
Allah Almighty also says: (So be patient O Prophet with what they say. And glorify the praises of your Lord before sunrise and before sunset) Surah Taha 20: 130.
قال الله تعالى: (فَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ الْغُرُوبِ) ق 50: 39.
وقال الله تعالى: (فَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا) طه 20: 130.
Glorification protects the heart from evil talks and it pacifies the heart, inheriting a profound sense of satisfaction. In both verses of Taha and Qaf, Allah commands that one should be patient and glorify Him before sunrise and before sunset, and these specifically refer to the Thikr of the morning and night.
فالتسبيح يحمي القلب من أثر الكلام السيئ ويورث شعورا بالرضا. وفي الآيتين طه وق يأمر الله سبحانه بالصبر والتسبيح قبل طلوع الشمس وقبل غروبها وتلك هي أذكار الصباح والمساء.
Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة
Why does the Quran recommend prayer when people say bad things?
Prayer forces a person to physically and spiritually disconnect from the distress of human interactions and connect directly with Allah. This act of prostration brings immediate peace, perspective, and healing to a troubled heart.
What is meant by glorifying Allah before sunrise and sunset?
This refers to the daily prescribed morning and evening remembrances (Thikr). Performing these acts of worship consistently provides a daily spiritual shield that protects a person from negativity and harm.
How does glorification stop someone from speaking evil?
When a person keeps their tongue busy with the remembrance and praise of Allah, there is no room left for foul language or returning insults. It purifies the tongue and elevates the person above petty disputes.