In the early days, when humans existed, there was no sophisticated language or words for them to communicate. Scholars believe that the way humans communicated with each other at the time could have been by hand gestures or by hurtling some signs to convey something like fire, smoke, danger, etc. However, as humans progressed, words started to be formed and as time progressed, and words formed language, putting together multiple words to express oneself came to be known as the “eloquence of expression” within the language. Hence with words, people received the power to express themselves in the best possible way they could!

In today’s world, typing in couple “key words” within the google search bar provides you wealth of information. However, what is important to know “WHAT” words to type to get the exact result you are looking for. If you are planning for vacation to a certain place and want to know the best places to visit at that vacation spot, you have to be very specific in what key words you enter into the search. Your everyday friend – your GPS or your “SatNav” also relies on the specific words of the address to be entered in order to take you to the right destination. When you call customer service at any company, many times you are greeted with a robot initially, and that robot relies on you giving it specific words for it to then direct you to the right channel to assist you with your request. The words “AI – Artificial Intelligence”, have caught the attention of almost the entire world population today and these 2 words create a range of emotions among a variety of audience. Some feel excited hearing these words, some feel deep fear, some become curious wanting to know more, while some become averse because they have a certain perception in their mind about these words. And even the “AI” that is built into the computers for machine learning, neural networks, etc. for providing us predictive analytics, relies on very specific commands of words to be coded into it to be able to predict with high speed and accuracy. All this goes to say – WORDS HAVE POWER!! And it is important for us to understand this, make sure it sinks into our minds, and we start be cautious of WHAT WE SAY!

Since the way we communicate with one another today, not only in our homes, but across the ocean relies so much on words, it is imperative that we are more deliberate, focused and kind with the use of our words. The world was shaken up by the word “COVID-19” or “Corona virus”. Anytime you heard these words come up, they instilled fear amongst majority of us and for a while many of us felt HELPLESS to do or cause something for the effects of this word to go away! The word “DIVORCE” has crushed and devastated so many families. Sometimes out of rage, kids say words like “I hate you”; or “I will never ever talk to you again”. While we know kids don’t actually mean what they say, it is our responsibility to teach them the power of using right words, always being kind and humble and watch what they say! If we don’t, as adults when they repeat these words, it will have far greater impact which could end up being damaging. In business or professional world, using the right words verbally or in writing carries a lot of weight. Not only in business related matters, even in casual conversations, it is important to be cautious with what you say.

In all these situations, we should not only be careful of using the RIGHT WORDS, but always remember to use KINDER, SOFTER, RESPECTFUL words. Often times, in business meetings or on college campuses or even in TV Shows, I see the use of FOUL LANGUAGE. These profane words are used so casually and many times people that use these words intent to use it to either “look cool” or to “induce laughter”. Many times people use these foul words so frequently that it just becomes their way of life. We all know, the words you speak often get imprinted in your sub-conscious mind. And we know, our sub-conscious mind governs or forms our long-term habits. If you keep using foul words, not only will it get imprinted in your sub-conscious mind, it will also cause your spirit/soul to get darkened every time you use these words, and all you will end up doing is attracting the bad, the negative, the evil towards yourself. The more you keep doing it, the more you will keep going down the hole.

Our CREATOR knows all about this and hence He gave us a succinct book of guidance with most powerful words. The shortest Surah in the Holy Quran – Surah Asr, conveys the most powerful message to all of us: Time flows by and man is in loss except for those who have faith and are righteous!

Some “words of wisdom” from scholars around the world:

Word are free. It is HOW YOU USE THEM that will COST YOU!

Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can be forgiven, NOT FORGOTTEN!