How Speech and Behavior Reflect Faith

📖Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 5557
Abu Tha’labah reported: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Verily, the most beloved of you and closest to me in the Hereafter are those with the best character. The most hateful of you to me and furthest from me in the Hereafter are those with the worst character: the braggarts, the verbose, the loquacious.”

The Prophet ﷺ emphasizes that character and conduct are among the most important measures of a believer’s rank. Good character – marked by humility, patience, and modesty—is beloved to Allah and the Prophet ﷺ. Conversely, arrogance, excessive talking, and boastfulness make a person distant from Allah’s pleasure. Speech and behavior shape relationships and reflect inner morality, making character a critical aspect of faith.

Purposeful Talking vs. Excessive Talking:

• Permissible and Rewarded: Speaking at length is fine when it:
• Guides others toward good.
• Shares beneficial knowledge.
• Teaches or advises someone in need.
• Resolves a problem or prevents harm.
• Prohibited or Harmful: Talking becomes blameworthy when it:
• Brags, boasts, or shows arrogance.
• Spreads gossip, lies, or unnecessary criticism.
• Distracts from prayer, reflection, or duties.
• Is done excessively without benefit, just for talking’s sake.

The Prophet ﷺ condemned verbosity and bragging not because speaking itself is bad, but because empty, self-centered, or harmful speech reflects poor character. Purposeful, meaningful communication that benefits others is encouraged and can even be a form of charity.

Quranic guidance:

📖Quran 31:18-19
And do not turn your cheek in contempt toward people, nor walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful. And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys.

📖Quran 16:125
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is guided.

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The Ethics of Speech: Speaking Rightly in Islam

While speaking is encouraged in Islam, excessive talking without purpose can have negative consequences. The Prophet ﷺ warned:

📖Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2411
Do not talk too much without the remembrance of Allah. Indeed, excessive talking without the remembrance of Allah hardens the heart. And indeed, the furthest of people from Allah is the harsh-hearted.”

Explanation:
Talking is allowed and even encouraged when it serves a beneficial purpose. However, every speech should be accompanied by the remembrance of Allah. Keeping Allah in mind ensures that our words:

• Guide us toward His teachings.
• Prevent harmful actions such as lying, gossiping, or creating hatred.
• Promote peace, justice, and kindness in society.

Speaking without remembrance of Allah can lead to distraction from moral and spiritual obligations, cause conflicts, or harden the heart. Thus, while talking is natural and necessary, it should never distance a person from God or generate negativity.

How to speak responsibly:

1. Speak truthfully and avoid lying.
2. Avoid gossip or backbiting.
3. Ensure your words do not create hatred, violence, or division.
4. Use speech to remind yourself and others of Allah’s guidance.
5. Speak with purpose – teach, advise, guide, or help others.
6. Reflect before speaking to ensure your words benefit rather than harm.