Preserving A Discreet Silence

Preserving A Discreet Silence

1988 2 February 17 Preserving A Discreet Silence (408) Obviously, there are moments in life when ‘silence is golden’. And although speech, according to the old adage, may be ‘silver’, there are frequent occasions when the only discreet thing to do is remain silent.

During the Battle of Uhud, at a point when the Prophet and his companions were under the greatest pressure from the enemy, the Prophet was badly wounded by one of the Quraysh who threw a stone at him with such force that it drove the links of his helmet into his check, cut his lip and broke a tooth. Bleeding and in a semi-fainting condition, the Prophet fell into a shallow pit. No longer visible on the field of battle, he was proclaimed dead by the enemy. But just then, one of the companions caught sight of him and exclaimed. “Here is the Prophet!” He had spoken out without thinking that he was placing the Prophet’s life in jeopardy. However, the Prophet, without making a sound himself, signalled him to keep quiet. Later, at an opportune moment, he made his escape from the scene of combat.

Obviously, there are moments in life when ‘silence is golden’. And although speech, according to the old adage, may be ‘silver’, there are frequent occasions when the only discreet thing to do is remain silent. The Prophet’s view was that “one” who believes in God and the Last Day should utter words of goodness, or else keep quiet.” The Prophet also taught his followers that sometimes silence was better than speech, giving as an example the man who breaks the silence himself to tell his neighbour to keep quiet while the Imam is delivering his sermon.

If silence, as a matter of discretion, is important in private gatherings, where whole nations are concerned it becomes ultra-important. In a delicate situation, a massive confrontation may be averted, if only leaders have the strength of character to remain silent. It is easy to indulge in spectacular outbursts, particularly since that is what fires the imagination of the general public, but much more difficult to exercise caution and restraint, and certainly a less attractive course for a leader to follow since a strategic silence is unlikely to impress one’s followers. Leaders need to be less occupied with the histrionics of the political platform and more attentive to the wisdom of Sister Consolata who once said: “The greatest number of failings in a community come from breaking the rule of silence.