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Title: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on November 26, 2024, 02:35:49 am As Salam Alaykom to all. I think there is a hadith based on this phrase "silence is golden.” At the same time it’s also an idiom in the English language. In our discussion session first week of December, InshAllah, we have this topic as a detailed agenda. I have started my research. Would really be helpful for me if any of you folks post some contents on the history and the evolvement of this idiom / phrase, its goal and development in the Muslim and western world along with your opinion. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Heba E. Husseyn on November 26, 2024, 02:43:20 am Walaikum as Salam. Sure brother, InshAllah, I can help you with that. It's an interesting topic to trace its path and discuss, and to clarify it is NOT a Quranic concept, in fact quite the opposite. If you just give a day or two, InshAllah, as I'm a bit busy with a minor renovation work going on at our place, I will be right here with some contents you may wish to compile for this agenda. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on November 26, 2024, 02:45:47 am Thanks a million Sister Heba. No problem, take your time. I will put the notification on so I know when you post the information, InshAllah. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Zainab_M on November 26, 2024, 11:15:27 pm Walaikum as Salaam dear brother and sister. Fore sure this topic needs clarification. I am also waiting to read some contents from Sister Heba, InshAllah. There's a lot to say on this, basically an ideology distorted by humans to suit their ends .. certainly NOT a Quranic principle. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on November 26, 2024, 11:22:30 pm Exactly sister Zainab. I am still into some research and I can sense it's laced with surreptitious manupulations both from traditional Hadithist Muslims as well as Western hypocrites-cum-autocrats. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Heba E. Husseyn on November 29, 2024, 08:55:37 am Salam again brother TS and everyone else. My earnest apology to keep you waiting. Last few days have been just so tiring for all of us with all the clean up to be done after the reno. OK, so let me start on the topic .. This concept is 100% from Hadith and is a harbinger of dictatorship. “Silence is golden” is an idiom that means it's often better to remain silent than to speak. In fact, it originated from the culture of hadith when it started blooming in the Arab world in the 8th and 9th centuries after the era of the four Righteous Caliphs and the start of dynasty rule in the History of Islam. The Ommayads, Abbasids and various other monarchical rules that sprouted in different parts of the Muslim world were not too beholden to the Quranic concept of consulting with people on conducting the system (https://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=346.0) as elucidated in Verse 3:159 quote “and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs.” The idea of ‘silence is golden’ plainly opposes the ideology of Verse 3:159. Later on, in early 1800s the same notion of ‘silence is gold’ was picked up in Europe when the autocratic rule of the Catholic church dominated the region. The phrase was officially introduced in English language in 1940s by Scottish historian and philosopher, Thomas Carlyle, often known as the Father of Fascism, through his book, Sartor Resartus, the allusion of which is to reject existing human values and replace them with new ones, by force if necessary. It’s a glaring reminder of the current global political climate in which the fascist post WW2 western establishment is trying to reorder the world promoting pro-Zionism. In all such situations, from Hadith times until the western autocracy in support of Zionism, the entitlement to the people to speak needs to be denied to remove all obstacles within a centralized or totalitarian entity. Therefore the concept of silence is golden, regardless of how you slice it, is certainly symbolic of authoritarianism and denial of speech to the common people or to the audience of a presentation. The Noble Quran does NOT support any such notion of unconditional silence to the assertions of others. Many traditionalist shaikhs and muftis quote Verse 50:18 to support the hadith on silence, implying that it refers to silence as the best option. As usual, they have completely misinterpreted the Verse. It does NOT refer to silence as the best option. Let us read the Verse, quote “Man does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record].” 50:18 Surah Qaf. As anyone will easily understand, that this Verse refers to the Recording angels who are writing everything, every word, we speak and every action we perform in this earthly life. It is certainly a very relevant reason to be cautious, do good things and speak the truth. But Verse 50:18 definitely does NOT uphold the Hadith and European concept of ‘silence is golden.’ A Bukhari hadith falsely attributed to the Final Messenger claims “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say what is good or be silent” implying if you agree with your sheikhs and muftis then speak; if you disagree with them then shut up; discouraging people from asking questions, expressing their opinion, speaking up against injustice and most of all disagreeing, no matter how respectful you are. We all realize the significance of respect while asking questions, expressing opinions or debating. But this cannot be construed as “saying good things or staying silent.” After all, who decides what is a “good thing” to speak or a “bad thing” to speak? A good thing to mention for me might be a bad thing for someone else and vice versa. Thus, Allah is the Judge. There cannot be any single sweeping law to assert what is “good” for every aspect in life. That sprouts from sycophancy to speak in support of people in authority and keeping all your disagreements bottled up in silence. This is NOT a Quranic concept. It was proven best by Hussein bin Ali on the battlefield of Karbala. The concept of ‘Amr bil al Maruf’ (https://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=2670.0) directly from the Noble Quran is the opposite of what is taught in the hadith on silence. Some jurists may link Verse 33:70 with the Hadith concept of silence is gold. That would again be inaccurate and incorrect. “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” (33:70) Al Ahzab. (Translation Sahih International). The translated expression “words of appropriate justice.” from original Arabic سديدًا (“sadīdan “) has also been translated by other translators as “speak words straight to the point;” or “speak (always) the truth.” or “speak righteous words.” The reference here is to speak the truth close to justice and piety, and not be a liar. It has nothing to do with sitting in silence like a dummy to please your shaikhs and muftis. As for those facing injustice, Allah has granted them every entitlement to speak. "Allah does not love the public utterance of hurtful speech unless (it be) by one to whom injustice has been done; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing." 4:148 An Nissa. "And whoso defends himself after he has suffered wrong - for such, there is no way (of blame) against them." 42:41 As Shura. A related link: - Mutual consultation and teamwork in the Noble Quran. (https://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=4455.0) Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on November 29, 2024, 12:09:27 pm Thanks Sister Heba. This is an eye opener and a whole new approach from the lectures of our jurists. Funny that until a couple of decades ago the Western society tried to teach us the importance of free speech in their discourse. Now we have to endeavor to get the same ideology through their thick heads. Thanks again Sister. Tremendously helpful .. have already started making notes from the contents here. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Zainab_M on November 29, 2024, 12:13:39 pm lol .. exactly. After the start of ethnic cleansing in Gaza in October 2023 by the genocidal Zionist death squads, speaking up your views is no more upheld in Western society, similar to the hadithists. All free speech is strictly prohibited if it goes against their priorities and the concepts of Western nationalism. To assist Western injustice supporting and financing the illegal Zionist state, clinical psychologists are touting similar values as in the hadith forgeries of “silence is golden.” American culture is discreetly blaming America’s First Amendment of free speech and assertiveness as the causes for discord, raucous rhetoric and overwhelming conflicts within and outside of social media. They claim “speaking up” often accomplishes little, is potentially destructive and seldom facilitates communication between people. The bandwagon has suddenly taken a drastic U-turn! Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Heba E. Husseyn on November 29, 2024, 12:18:25 pm Correct. Also, traditionalists who are in favor of “silence is golden” and eager that their audience be silent listeners, claim our society is painting introverts as insecure and self-effacing, that they are being encouraged to be quarrelsome, waste their time and exhaust their energy in hysterical arguments with no gain. This is a fear rhetoric and a motivated notion largely based on self interest to deter people who opt to seek truthful knowledge with the help of discernment. In plain terms, “silence is golden” it is a gag order. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Ruhi_Rose on November 29, 2024, 12:20:51 pm In our masjid community centers we do almost always have Q&A session after a sheikh or mufti finishes his hadith rants. But whatever is their response to the audiences’ questions must be accepted by the audience in silence. There is no such practice of debate-like discourse even in the most respectful manner from any audience, man or woman. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on November 29, 2024, 12:22:38 pm Exactly, and that’s also largely because a lot of such audience are idiots. They are totally hung up on the hadith rants delivered to them. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Zainab_M on November 29, 2024, 12:26:51 pm Many of these audience don’t speak Arabic, but they read the Quran in Arabic, they don’t understand much of what they read, they are too lazy to read the translation, and their queries are always directed to the shaikhs for their hadith-laced answers that require talkback which is both difficult and embarrassing for the shaikhs considering the quantum of nonsense contained in hadith forgeries. Thus, silence is golden. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Ruhi_Rose on November 29, 2024, 12:28:18 pm .... that’s precisely the scenario. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on November 29, 2024, 12:29:56 pm What game players! Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Heba E. Husseyn on December 01, 2024, 03:14:28 am If hadith influencers really follow this hadith on silence is gold, then it’s an order from hadith itself to abandon this forrgery filled institution which talks and talks just nonsense and won’t accept silence for the betterment of humanity. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on December 01, 2024, 03:17:39 am 😂 I would love to put this as the conclusion of my presentation at the meeting .. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Ruhi_Rose on December 01, 2024, 03:23:25 am 🤣 Very perceptive statement and great idea, sister and bro. If hadith influencers really follow this hadith on silence is gold, then it’s an order from hadith itself to abandon this forrgery filled institution which talks and talks just nonsense and won’t accept silence for the betterment of humanity. 😂 I would love to put this as the conclusion of my presentation at the meeting .. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Ruhi_Rose on December 01, 2024, 03:51:53 am Btw just for my info .... Prior to Oct.2023 when the West still dwelled on its lies & hypocrisy on free thoughts and human rights and their condescending attitude toward us for not allowed to talk freely, they would brag endlessly on statue of liberty and first amendment. Now all that has been rolled up with shit into hibernation. Is there a difference between statue of liberty and first amendment or are both the same? Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on December 01, 2024, 03:55:29 am Good question sister Ruhi. Very true both have been rolled up with shit, most likely into permanent hibernation until the illegal state of Israel exists. I don't think the two are the same though similar. I can check with my dad and confirm more precisely, InshAllah. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Heba E. Husseyn on December 01, 2024, 04:18:32 am No sister, not the same but somewhat similar as bro said. Formerly when spirit of freedom was still slightly alive .. Statue of liberty that opened in 1886 supposedly stands for democracy, freedom, liberalism, abolition of slavery and education for all. First Amendment of US Constitution that came in Dec.1791 is supposed to stand for freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly and right to petition the govt. Not to mention, since 9/11 and particularly since post Oct.7, U.S. policies have broken nearly all rules of the First Amendment which is part of its own constitution. Moreover, make note .. First Amendment was formed in 1791 when slavery was still rife officially in that land. So it goes without saying that all claims of rights & freedom blown from the ass of the First Amendment was only for the betterment of the white society. The black Americans were still slaves at the time; they couldn’t even dream of anything stated in the First amendment applying to their lives. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on December 01, 2024, 04:25:06 am Very useful, concise and all inclusive description of the two. Just shows the extent of America's unabashed wavering from its own symbols and constitututional rules it keeps bragging about alongside its onging backdoor violations of these very rules. Though now the violations aren't really 'backdoor' .. they're pretty much official. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: Heba E. Husseyn on December 01, 2024, 04:33:36 am Totally official now .. statue of liberty is currently a butt of mockery. E.g. check the song on Palestine "Telk Qadeyeh" (https://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=5564.0) sung by Egyptian singer, Amir Eid, showing on live stage the statue of liberty as a 2-faced evil liar .... 😅 Very good idea for presentation .. Title: Re: “Silence is Golden” Post by: N. Truth Seeker on December 01, 2024, 05:27:43 am Exactly. And that's superb song publicly trashing liberty's deceit. |