Shaikh Saadi For All Those Who Choose to Keep Mum
By Sumit Paul,
New Age Islam
29 May 2024
"Although Intelligent Men Consider Silence Civil, It Is Better for
Thee to Speak at The Proper Time. Two Things Betoken Levity of Intellect: To
Remain Mute When It Is Proper to Speak and To Talk When Silence Is Required."
Shaikh Saadi (1210-1291)
Someone may say that I pick random quotes or cherry-pick those that fit my agenda. Well, this quote not only fits my agenda at the moment, it also has a universal appeal and an everlasting message for all.
One must know that
precise psychological moment when to say nothing and also when to say
something. In these times of extreme mediocrity and widespread hostility when
one's surrounded by a host of rabid critics and detractors, saying nothing is
often misconstrued as your weakness and timidity.
Agreed, when fools
chatter, one had better keep mum. But then, those fools erroneously think that
you're scared or have nothing worthwhile to say. So, respond.
British PM Winston
Churchill used to say, " Audacity must be returned with audacity."
There's a Sanskrit phrase: Shatham Prati Shaathyam (Tit for tat). Jaise
Ko Taisa in colloquial Hindi. One must speak out when it's required. To
quote Ali Sardar Jaafri, "Har Waqt Ki Chuppi Bhi Koi Aqlamandi Nahin/
Labon Ko See Lena Bhi Zaroori Nahin/ Zubaan Pe Lagi Bandish Ko Hata De/ Itni
Nekneeyati Bhi Acchhi Nahin" (It's not wise to remain silent all the
time/ Sewing the lips is not always necessary/ Remove the embargo on your
tongue/ To be too good is also not desirable).
One must strike a
perfect balance between speech and silence. "M(N)Uh Khol Jahan Bolna
Zaroori Hai/ Aabshaar-E-Alfaaz Na Baha, Do Lafz Toh Bol" (Speak out
when and where it's unavoidable/ No need of a cascade of words, just speak a
couple of words).
Zen Buddhism believes
that silence is for an evolved soul when it's hemmed in by equally enlightened
ones. In that state and scenario, silence is more eloquent than words. But
don't forget that you're living in this world with all sorts of humans. One has
to adjust oneself as per the requirements of evolving times.
Even the truth adjusts
itself according to the changing times. Here, the significance of your silence
is unintelligible to the majority. Remember, nature hasn't given us this tongue
to taste only. Its other purpose is to speak as well. To speak is to rebel.
Unless you rebel and at times, righteously retaliate, you're not taken
seriously. Tang Aamad, Ba' Jang Aamad (When there's no other
alternative/ Let's wage a war). To cut the matter short, lest people mistake
your silence for helplessness, say something apt, appropriate and apposite to
assert your point and shut those ever-open mouths.
----
A
regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative
religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the
world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/shaikh-saadi-mum-silence/d/132406
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