A Manner of Speaking

A Manner of Speaking

1985 3 March 15 A Manner of Speaking (241) The Prophet Mohammad always used to be very clear in his speech. He would utter words slowly, in a careful and considered tone. This is how the Prophet’s widow Aishah described her late husband’s manner of speech to those who had not heard him:

“The Prophet would not speak fast as you people do. He used to pause in between sentences, giving people time to memorise what he had said.”

(Zad al-Ma’ad)

She also said that the Prophet used to talk in such a way that one could have counted his words had one so desired. The Prophet’s manner of speech should provide a pattern for all believers. What is a believer? He is one who fears God, one who knows that the angels are recording his every word. Alive to the knowledge that he will have to answer to God for everything he says, he assumes a deep sense of responsibility. When he speaks, it is as if he is addressing a divine and angelic company. He is restrained in his speech; he thinks before he speaks; he weighs up his words carefully before presenting his ideas to his listeners. Fear of God takes away his loquacity; fear of the hereafter, and of being answerable to God for his words, dampen his oratorical zeal.

A person beset by intense feelings of this nature adopts a serious, sober manner of address, like the manner of the Prophet as described by Aishah.

Preaching the word of God in the language of one

1986 3 March 15 Preaching the word of God in the language of one’s congregation (132)

Salman Farsi was commander of a Muslim army during the Iranian campaign. He had laid siege to one fortress, and his soldiers were eager to sack it. But Salman Farsi told them to give him a chance to communicate the message of Islam to the people first, for that was the Prophet’s method. Addressing the inhabitants of the fortress, Salman said: “I am a Persian like you. See how these Arabs obey me. Accept Islam. You will have the same rights, and duties, as we have. And if you wish to adhere to your religion, then pay Jiziya*. And if you refuse this also, then be prepared to fight.” According to Abu’l Bakhtari, Salman said all this in Persian (Masnad Ahmad).

* The Protection tax imposed on non-Muslim Living under Muslim rule.