Speech is a priceless blessing. We need to be very thankful for receiving this favour and, at the same time, we must be very careful in using this boon. Speech ties people together in lasting bonds, and, again, speech can bring irrevocable distance and sealed separation in our lives. It can be a stark sign of one’s sagacity or stupidity. Speech or al-qawl in Islam is not a mere means of communication but also a sublime act of worship.

To relate some of the salient external norms of a modest speech, they are starting speeches with greetings/salam, maintaining a medium pace, keeping the voice audible, avoiding unnecessary loudness, looking at the person spoken to and repeating important pieces of information. The Qur’anic instructions run like “And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys…” (31:19-20). The tempo of any speech should be moderate. For a listener, neither should it be too fast to follow and fail even to get the message across and nor should it be too slow, losing the links back and forth. In relation to greetings, it is said that no one could ever greet the Prophet (PBUH) first. He used to always greet others first irrespective of they were older or younger, the elites of the Arab or the commoners of the community, family members or strangers. In any effective communication, patient hearing is also very important. We must give others complete scope to express their thoughts. A Hadith runs like: “When the Prophet would turn to speak to someone, he would turn his whole body towards them and give them his full attention.” (Sunan Abi Dawood). To foster communication and convey respect, it is crucial to give full attention to others. Considering these features will surely add to the beauty and efficacy of our speech.

In respect of the content of a speech, the first pillar of Islamic speech is truthfulness. The Qur’an commands believers to speak qawlan sadida: words that are straight, sound and sincere. “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” (33:70-71). This divine directive binds speech to both spiritual reward and moral responsibility. Truthful talk is not just about avoiding lies; it is about aligning one’s words with purpose and precision. Islam discourages lagw, or vain talk, which includes idle chatter and frivolous speech. In a world flooded with noise, Islam invites us to weigh our words and wonder: Is this necessary? Is this beneficial? Every utterance is recorded and every syllable scrutinised. If truth is the foundation, then gentleness is the fragrance of Islamic speech. The Quran instructs Moses and Aaron to speak qawlan layyina—gentle words, even to Pharaoh, the epitome of tyranny (20:44). When addressing parents particularly, the Quran commands qawlan karima: noble and honourable speech. Respect is not reserved for rituals; it must resonate in routine conversations. The goal is not to win arguments but to win hearts. Harshness hardens; kindness kindles love and curiosity.

Just as Islam elevates speech, it also erects boundaries where necessary. Backbiting (gheebah) and slander (buhtan) are grave violations. The Qur’an paints a chilling picture: “Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Certainly, you would detest it…” (49:12). Both corrode character and community. Equally condemned is namimah: malicious gossip that sows discord. The Prophet (PBUH) warned of a man punished in the grave for tale-bearing. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Woe to one who tells lies to make people laugh. Woe to him! Woe to him!” (Sunan Abee Daawood). Words can wound, divide and destroy. Islam urges us to be bridges, not barriers, to enjoin good tidings, not to scare people off. Mockery and insults are also forbidden. “Let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them…” (49:11). Every individual carries divine dignity. Derision, sarcasm and scorn are signs of spiritual sickness, not sharp wit. The Qur’an praises the ‘ibad al-Rahman (servants of the Most Merciful who respond to ignorance with peace): “And when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace” (25:63). Silence can be strength; serenity can be a shield.

Speech in Islam is a sacred synthesis of truth and tenderness. It is not enough to be right; one must also be respectful. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “A man may speak a word pleasing to Allah without considering it significant, yet by it, Allah raises him in rank. And a man may speak a word displeasing to Allah without considering it significant, yet by it he falls into Hell.” The tongue is tiny, but its impact is tremendous. It can be a ladder to paradise or a pit to perdition. In a time of tweets and tirades, comments and criticism, Islam calls us to pause, ponder and purify our speech. Let our words be windows to wisdom. For in every utterance lies the echo of our ethics and the essence of our faith. It is not a mere means of communication but a hallmark of faith and personality. To make our interactions impactful, respectful and meaningful, let us be conscientious and use this rare gift of speech with caution, care and compassion.

_________________________________________________

The writer is an Assistant Professor of English at BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, Uttara, Dhaka