“Mindful Speech: The Bull That Couldn’t Return”

THE BULL

During the celestial tour of the heavens on the Night of Mi’raaj, Rasulullah (sallallahualayhi wasallam) observed a huge bull emerging from a small hole in a mountain. After its emergence, the bull was desperately attempting to re-enter the hole, but failed.

When Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked Hadhrat Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) for an explanation of the mystery of the bull, he explained that the hole symbolized the human mouth and the bull represented what is called ‘slipped tongue’. That is, a hurtful or offensive statement uttered unthinkingly. After making the statement, one realizes its notoriety. One regrets and ‘takes back’ the statement by means of apologizing.

Remember that no matter how much one tries to withdraw the hurtful statement and no matter how many apologies are offered, the damage has been incurred on the hurt of theperson or in society. The bull will not be able to re-enter. Therefore, reflect before speaking

Hazrat Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (RadhiyAllahu anhu) : “I have never regretted my silence, as for my speech I’ve regretted it many times.”

Awake 2014 Publication by The Majlis