The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was silent most of the time, and only spoke when absolutely necessary. He encouraged us to use kind words when we do have to speak. `Adiyy Ibn Haatim, may Allah be pleased with him, reported the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam as saying: “Allaah will surely speak to every one of you without an interpreter. He (i.e., the one being spoken to) will look to his right and see nothing but (deeds) which he had done, and will look to his left and see nothing but (deeds) which he had done. Then he will look in front of him and will find nothing except the Hellfire facing him. So protect (yourselves) from the Fire, even if by giving in charity half a date, and if you cannot find that, then with a kind word." [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim] He sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam therefore clarified that kind words protect one from Hell and are thus a main cause of gaining entry into Paradise.

The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: “In Paradise are rooms, the inside of which can be seen from the outside, and the outside of which can be seen from the inside. Allah has prepared them for those who offer food (to the needy), are soft in speech, who frequently fast, and who pray at night while the people are asleep.” [Al-Bayhaqi & Al-Haakim]

The etiquettes of dialogue and speech: There are many etiquettes that Islam legislated and encouraged, which reflect the magnitude of this topic. The following are some of these etiquettes:

· Lowering one's voice: Allah Says (what means): “…And lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys.” [Quran 31: 19] Raising one's voice reflects a lack of manners, unless the need arises, such as when delivering a Khutbah, or when warning someone, or teaching, or when it is feared that those at a distance may not be able to hear. On the other hand, one's voice should not be so low that people can hardly hear, nor should it be monotonous, as this instigates boredom on the part of those listening, which can cause them to lose interest altogether.

· Shunning excessive talk and badmouthing others: Jaabir, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “The dearest and nearest of you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who is best in manners; and the most abhorrent among you, and the farthest of you from me (on that Day) will be the offensive (i.e. in speech), the garrulous, and the Mutafayhiqoon.” His companions asked him: "O Messenger of Allah! We know about the offensive and the garrulous, but we do not know who the Mutafayhiqoon are.'' He sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: “(They are) those who are arrogant when they speak.” [At-Tirmithi] This is a stern warning to not sound arrogant or talk to people with words that they do not understand in order to demonstrate that one is knowledgeable or eloquent.

· Listening attentively to others: This is especially the case when the Quran is being recited; Allah Says (what means): “So when the Qur'aan is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” [Quran 7: 204] The worthiest person of being listened to was the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and when his companions practically applied this, they attained an exalted level of manners and glorified the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam with his due glory. In fact, Allah commanded the believers to lower their voices in his presence, as He Says (what means): “O you who have believed! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet or be loud to him in speech like the loudness of some of you to others, lest your deeds become worthless while you perceive not.” [Quran 49:2] This also applies after his death, by lowering one's voice when his prophetic narrations are being related.