Right Use of Speech

seeking the pleasure of God, We will give him an immense reward. (4:114) This Quranic verse sets the standard for secret as well as open talk, namely, soundness and utility. One can only live up to this standard by being sincere in what one says and speaking only after analyzing the matter in hand. What one says should stem from a positive mind. According to this verse, a person must refrain from futile talk. He should never indulge in talking just for the sake of talking. Now, the question is, what is the best manner of speaking? And what content of one’s speech may be regarded as worthwhile? The Quranic criterion for proper social intercourse is based on three principles. All three principles are described in the above verse of the Quran, which sets them forth as follows: 1. Charity, that is, speaking with the true giving spirit; 2. Kindness, that is, speaking with the spirit of wellwishing towards others; 3. Conciliation, that is, speaking in such a way as to create an atmosphere of harmony among people. This is what constitutes well thought-out speech and is the only legitimate use of one’s tongue. This kind of speech is useful to both the speaker as well as the listener. For the speaker’s part, it conveys sincerity and positivity, while for the listener it is also fruitful in all respects.