Imaam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah) once asked a student of his, “Why do you not ask questions whereas everybody else asks questions?” The student replied, “I will, as of now, ask questions insha-Allah.” Thereafter, Imaam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah) was one day mentioning the ruling that one should break his fast immediately after sunset. On hearing this ruling, the same student asked, “What if the sun does not set?” Imaam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah) replied, “You should continue to remain silent. There is no need for you to speak.”
The example is also given of a daughter in law who always remained silent. On noticing her perpetual silence, the mother in law became worried and tried to encourage her to speak by explaining to her that the other daughter in laws derive enjoyment from speaking and it makes them feel nice. One day, to the mother in law’s surprise, the daughter in law asked, “Tell me, if your son dies, will you get me married again or will I have to sit as a widow for the rest of my life?” The mother in law replied, “For you to remain silent is better.”