After Allah mentioned the first attribute of believers—humility in prayer—He followed it with another noble quality that indicates purity of the heart and elevation of the soul, saying:
“And those who avoid idle talk;” (Al-Mu’minun 23:3,)
Idle talk (al-laghw) in the linguistic sense is anything useless—speech or action—that does not benefit. It includes false speech, frivolous talk, vain arguments, and anything that distracts from remembrance of Allah and obedience to Him.
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Meaning of “Avoiding Idle Talk” in Tafsir
Ibn Kathir, in his tafsir, states: “They leave the false speech and turn away from it, so they are not among its people, as mentioned in Allah’s words: ‘And when they come across ill speech, they pass by with dignity’.”
At-Tabari commented: “They are those who do not occupy themselves with what does not benefit them from speech or actions; they devote their time to what brings them closer to Allah.”
Al-Qurtubi explained: “Al-laghw includes sins and everything pointless; turning away from it is a sign of high aspiration.”
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Examples of Idle Talk in Quran and Sunnah
• Insults and foul speech.
• Argumentation without knowledge or benefit.
• Frivolous, vain gatherings.
• False testimonies.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “A part of a person’s goodness is leaving what does not concern him.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi)
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Qur’anic Evidence on Avoiding Idle Talk
1. “And those who avoid idle talk;” (Al-Mu’minun 23:3,)
2. “And those who do not bear false witness, and when they come across falsehood, they pass by with dignity.” (Al-Furqan 25:72,)
These verses show that the believer does not linger in places of falsehood and turns away with honor and dignity.
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The Effect of This Attribute in a Believer’s Life
Avoiding idle talk is not only refraining from what is useless, but also guarding the tongue, purifying the heart from distraction, and investing time in beneficial matters.
A true believer makes his speech remembrance, his actions worship, and his time precious. He does not waste it in empty disputes or fruitless assemblies.
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Avoiding Idle Talk as Proof of Strong Faith
This attribute elevates the believer among people: he appears serious, composed, and dignified. It also shows the sincerity of his relationship with Allah, knowing that every word is accounted for. Allah says:
“Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (Qaf 50:18,)
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✨ Conclusion:
Avoiding idle talk is a trait of believers that preserves the heart and tongue, and elevates a person in the ranks of spiritual perfection. Whoever wants salvation and success, let his time be filled with acts of obedience, his tongue protected from falsehood, and his work beneficial for himself and others.
