Is a person held accountable for every word they utter, with the exception of enjoining good, forbidding evil, or the remembrance of Allah, as stated in the Hadith: "Every word of the son of Adam is against him and not for him, except enjoining good, forbidding evil, or the remembrance of Allah"? And is extensive or limited talk about worldly matters such as sports, types of cars, jokes for entertainment, or problems at work and with family considered idle talk (laghw)? What are the afflictions of the tongue, with real-life examples to avoid them, such as backbiting, slander, hypocrisy, false witness, prying, and idle talk?

The hadith (definition) varies in its chain of transmission (sanad) and meaning. Its apparent meaning is that all speech that brings no benefit in the Hereafter will be a cause of regret. However, it can be interpreted as an exaggeration in warning against unsound speech, or that the intended meaning is that all speech of the son of Adam will be a cause of regret for him, except for what has been exempted. His statement, "عليه" (upon him), means that its harm and burden will be upon him, even if it is permissible, because it might prolong the reckoning (on the Day of Judgment), or lead to disliked or forbidden acts, or cause heedlessness. It is preferable for a Muslim to guard his tongue from everything that does not benefit, and to speak good or remain silent. For excessive speech about what does not concern one leads to sins. Among the afflictions of the tongue are lying, backbiting, slandering, and cursing, and it can even reach the level of disbelief.