"When the son of Adam wakes up in the morning, all of his body parts bow to the tongue and say: 'Fear Allah regarding us, we are only part of you. If you are straight we are straight and if you are crooked we are crooked."
Hadith Commentary: The Tongue's Dominion
This profound narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2407) in the "Chapters On Zuhd" reveals the tongue's paramount position among human faculties. The classical scholars explain that the body parts' prostration symbolizes their complete submission to the tongue's authority, acknowledging it as their ruler and director.
Spiritual Significance
Imam al-Ghazali, in his Ihya Ulum al-Din, elaborates that this hadith demonstrates how the tongue acts as the commander of the bodily kingdom. When the tongue speaks truth, remembrance of Allah, and beneficial words, the entire body follows in righteousness. Conversely, when it engages in falsehood, backbiting, or vain speech, the whole system becomes corrupted.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali comments that this daily reminder upon waking emphasizes our continuous responsibility to guard our speech. The morning represents a new beginning and divine mercy, where we're reminded that our entire day's spiritual state depends on how we employ this small but powerful organ.
Practical Implications
Scholars like Imam Nawawi stress that this hadith necessitates constant vigilance over one's speech. The straightness mentioned refers to adherence to Islamic principles in both speech and action. A crooked tongue leads to deviation in deeds, while a righteous tongue guides all limbs toward obedience to Allah.
This teaching forms the foundation of zuhd (asceticism), as controlling the tongue is among the highest forms of spiritual discipline. The early Sufis would often remain silent for extended periods, recognizing that most sins originate from careless speech.