Etiquettes of dialogue and speech -II




· Having sincerity: Some people speak in order to display their knowledge of a certain topic, or show their eloquence. Others hate anyone except themselves speaking in a gathering. Such insincerity does not of course include teaching those who have only a rudimentary understanding of Islam, or to enjoin good and forbid evil.

· Using comprehensible words: One should not address people with words and phrases that are beyond their comprehension, or use a difficult language. He must adopt simple wording and terminology, even when addressing certain specialities or particular fields of knowledge. This is so that the common people would understand. ‘Ali may Allaah be pleased with him reported that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Talk to people with speech that they can understand. Do you wish that people belie Allaah and His messenger?” [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]

· Speaking slowly: The objective of addressing people is to convey certain points or ideas. Therefore, one must talk slowly enough for them to be able to grasp and understand what is being conveyed. Once, while ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her was praying, she overheard a man hurriedly narrating a statement of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). Afterwards, she may Allaah be pleased with her remarked: “Had I finished (praying) before he left, I would have rebuked him for his haste. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) would never speak quickly when addressing people. He would speak slowly and in a manner that would enable anyone listening to understand what he was saying.” [End of quote]

· Repeating important statements: Some words or phrases may prove difficult to grasp or understand the first time, and it is therefore recommended to repeat them, in order to facilitate comprehension. Anas may Allaah be pleased with him reported: “Whenever the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said something, he would repeat his words thrice, so that the meanings would be fully understood.” [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim] `Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her reported: “The speech of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was so clear that all those who listened to it would easily understand.”
[Abu Daawood] The objective of repeating one's words is to make sure that people understand the words; however, if this objective is met the first time, then there is no need for repetition. The maximum number of repetitions should be three, as it would become monotonous if it exceeded this number.

· Facing the speaker: Facing the speaker reflects attentiveness to his words. A related issue is that the Imaam who is straightening the rows before starting the prayer needs to do so whilst facing the congregation, as per the practice of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and not whilst having his back to them.