When words become weapons

Once I asked a question to a few school children, “Which is the most dangerous weapon on earth that science has given humankind? Different students answered differently. Atom bomb, nuclear bomb, B-22 aircraft, missiles, submarines, tanks, mines, AI-powered drones, etc., were a few answers received. There was one student sitting in the corner of the classroom who surprised everyone with his answer. “The most dangerous weapon is the human tongue and the speech it makes.” Yes, that is true. The most powerful weapons on earth, the fundamental source of human conflicts, are the provocative speechs, a glib portrayal of a complex situation, thoughtless words full of venom, arrogance and hatred, a fabricated tale, words and expressions full of deceit and lies. This is when words become weapons.

When words become weapons, truth is the first casualty, battles are fought in the heart and not merely on the field, and even love leaves scars. Someone has said it beautifully, “When truth guides tongues, honesty shapes hearts, dignity governs actions, and fair speech builds bridges — a civilisation does not merely survive, it flourishes.”

Speech— a divine gift, a bridge between hearts, a thread that binds humanity- has today become the sharpest blade we wield against one another. It has the power to inspire, heal, innovate, spread joy and unite. Yet, when misused, it can destroy families, shatter organisations, and ignite wars among nations. Every word carries a weight unseen, an energy and a momentum that can either build or break. Yet, too often, speech is used not with wisdom but with ego, emotion, and arrogance. What should be an instrument of truth has become a tool of destruction- in homes, offices, organisations and even between nations.

Among colleagues, gossip sometimes breeds jealousy and distrust. Recently, somewhere, a few clever and jealous senior employees of an organisation approached the newly appointed head of the institution and started vomiting venom against an honest, hardworking and humble colleague, just to pull him down. The head of the institute, without any verifications, penalised the innocent person by issuing orders for suspension of his ongoing project, which was creating a positive impact for the organisational growth and development. The only reason was their egos, jealousy and arrogance reflected in their speech. The poor officer was harassed and traumatised and was not given a chance to defend because the speech, false allegations, and arguments of the seniors were cogently expressed with impunity.

The Echo of ‘Misused Speech’ spreads fast. In homes, families and relatives, angry words cut deeper than swords, leaving wounds no apology can mend. The weapon of speech ends up in breaking relationships, pain and agony for the family, traumatised kids, and even divorces and murders. In politics, leaders weaponise language to divide; reckless speech stirs nations into hostility, creating conflicts that consume generations. Before any fact-finding is conducted or the truth is unveiled the damage is done.

The power of speech is not just in what is said, but in how and why it is said.
When words spring from pride, prejudice, or unchecked emotion, they poison relationships, distort truth, and destroy peace.

The Holy Qur’an offers a timeless reminder in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6):

“O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.”

This verse is not merely guidance — it is a mirror to our age of mis-information.
People spread words without reflection, opinions without knowledge, and news without verification — causing irreparable harm to others and to themselves. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

These words are simple yet profound. They remind us that silence, when speech is harmful, is not weakness — it is wisdom. Speech, when guided by kindness and truth, becomes a tool of harmony. But when driven by ego, anger, or ignorance, it becomes the root of destruction.

Social media holds immense power to influence the moral and emotional pulse of people. When used with truth, honesty, dignity, and fairness, it becomes a tool for enlightenment and unity. When truth guides tongues, social platforms can dispel misinformation, amplify facts, and hold power accountable. Yet, when these virtues are absent, social media can corrode trust, magnify hatred, and fracture societies. The challenge, therefore, lies not in the technology itself, but in the values of those who use it. If truth, honesty, dignity, and fairness become the guiding principles of our digital speech, social media will not be a weapon of chaos—but a reflection of our society.

From Families to Nations — The Ripple of Reckless Words

The misuse of speech begins in small spaces — a harsh word to a spouse, a careless comment to a friend, a false rumour in the workplace. But its effects ripples outward. Families fracture. Colleagues grow resentful. Communities divide. On the global stage, arrogant rhetoric and inflammatory statements lead to hostility, sanctions, and even war. Words have started revolutions, toppled governments, and turned brother against brother. The battlefield may change, but the weapon remains the same — the tongue.

True strength lies not in saying more, but in saying wisely. Not in winning arguments, but in preserving peace. Before we speak, we must ask: Will my words heal or harm? Will they unite or divide? Will they reflect truth or ego? Because once released, words cannot be retracted — and like arrows, they always hit something.

A civilisation’s strength is not measured by its wealth or armies, but by the integrity of its people. Truth anchors justice; honesty nurtures trust; dignity upholds respect; and fair speech ensures peace. When these virtues are practised collectively, society becomes self-correcting, compassionate, and enduring. When they decay, deception breeds division, and even the mightiest empires fall from within.

Saad Parvez, National Institute of Technology Srinagar