A theme which has acquired prominence in the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him, is the relative value of silence, especially when speech would serve no useful purpose. There are numerous Hadiths on this subject, including the following:
“Whoever believes in God and the Last Day, let him utter what is good or remain silent.” [Muslim]
To speak only when there is occasion for speech, or when one has a purpose in doing so, is a sign of piety as the following Hadith declares:
“Part of the beauty of a person’s Islam is that they remain silent about that which does not concern them.” [Mishkat]
The best form of speech is that in which a little removes the need to say more, and the meaning is self-evident in the words. A person ought to be reserved in speech, and to speak only when there is some benefit to be achieved by it. In the event of there being any doubt about the benefit of talking, one ought to remain silent.