Hurting someone does not always take a blow of the hand. Sometimes a few words are enough to cause deep pain. A remark made in anger may be over in seconds, but the hurt it causes can stay with another person for a long time. That is why Islam gives particular warnings about how we speak to others.
Courtesy, restraint and good manners in speech are important teachings of Islam. Muslims are told to avoid insulting or belittling anyone, or saying anything that would hurt them.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what is good or keep silent.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
This hadith makes clear how much words matter. Before speaking, one should consider whether what one says will do good for the other person. If there is nothing good to say, staying silent is also part of Islam’s teaching.
In another hadith, the Prophet said: “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) Here the tongue is named alongside the hand: people can be harmed not only by deeds but also by words. Islam warns against the wounds caused by harsh words, insults, abuse or belittling others.
Looking down on others is also condemned in Islam. The Prophet said: “It is evil enough for a man to look down on his Muslim brother.” (Sahih Muslim)
So mocking someone’s appearance, means, wealth, education, work or personal weaknesses cannot be the conduct of a believer. Protecting people’s dignity and treating them well is what fits Islam’s guidance.
Another important matter in speech is controlling anger. In a moment of anger people often say things they would never say in a calm state. Even if they regret it later, the words cannot be taken back. Staying silent in anger, holding oneself back and speaking once things have calmed down are part of Islamic manners.
The beauty of Islam is not limited to worship. How a person treats others is also an important sign of their character. Not hurting others, respecting them and being restrained in speech are therefore important duties in a Muslim’s daily life.
Just as a kind word can lift someone’s spirits, a harsh sentence can break them from within. Pausing, thinking, and keeping silent when needed before speaking may be the practical way to live out this teaching of Islam.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report