Courtesy, restraint and good conduct in speech are important teachings of Islam. Muslims are told not to insult or belittle anyone, or say anything that would hurt them.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) The hadith makes clear how much words matter: before speaking, one should consider whether it will do others good, and if there is nothing good to say, silence is also the teaching of Islam.
In another hadith he said: “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) The tongue is mentioned beside the hand because people can be harmed by words as well as deeds, and Islam warns against the hurt caused by harsh words, insults, abuse or belittling others.
Treating others with contempt is also condemned. The Prophet said: “It is enough evil for a person to look down on his Muslim brother.” (Sahih Muslim) So mocking anyone’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 Islam asks.
Controlling anger matters too. In anger people often say things they would never say otherwise, and even if they regret it, the words cannot be taken back. Keeping quiet when angry, restraining oneself 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 an important part of character. Not hurting others, respecting them and being restrained in speech are therefore everyday duties of a Muslim. A kind word can lift someone’s heart, and a harsh one can break them; pausing to think before speaking, and keeping silent when necessary, is how that teaching is put into practice.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report