Etiquettes of dialogue and speech -I




Islam came to instil and spread fine manners and noble etiquettes. When in conversation or discussion, a Muslim must maintain these because Islam comprehensively addresses all aspects of life, and requires a Muslim to be distinct in his character, creed, worship, manners, etiquettes and appearance.

Undoubtedly, Islam is the superior and lofty religion. There can be no doubt that its legislation is the final one and the finest amongst all revealed legislations.

This issue is vital and must be borne in mind when addressing our Lord, when speaking to people of knowledge, when conversing with friends, when talking to one's spouse, and when in a public gathering. If the manners and etiquettes of speech disappear, people’s gatherings will become futile and fruitless, and a source of enmity and hatred.

Guarding one's tongue: Allah commands us to guard our tongues and His Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam warned us against setting them loose.

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: “I heard the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, saying: “A person utters a word thoughtlessly (i.e., without thinking about whether it is good or evil) and as a result, will plummet into the fire of Hell deeper than the distance between the east and the west.”” [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “A man may utter a word pleasing to Allah without considering it of any significance, but for which Allah elevates his ranks (in Paradise); another one may speak a word displeasing to Allah without considering it of any importance, but for which he would be plummeted into Hell.” [Al-Bukhaari]

Bilaal Ibn Al-Haarith Al-Muzani, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “A man may speak a good word without knowing its worth, for which Allah records for him His good pleasure until the Day he will meet Him; another man may utter an evil word without realising its importance, for which Allah records for him His displeasure until the Day he will meet Him.” [Maalik & At-Tirmithi]