By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI
In daily life, communication plays a vital role in building relationships between individuals. For a Muslim, communication is not just about speaking or exchanging information, but it is also a part of worship that is guided by high ethical values. The ethics of communication in Islam guide Muslims to interact in a manner that is good, honest, and wise, to maintain harmony and peace within society.
Islam teaches that every word spoken carries responsibility. Therefore, a Muslim must always be cautious in speaking, as the wrong words can bring harm to oneself or others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently reminded us of the importance of guarding our tongue, for it holds the potential for great good or evil.
Through this guidance on communication ethics, Islam provides a clear path for its followers to build effective, respectful, and beneficial communication. By applying principles such as honesty, politeness, and humility in speech, communication can become a means to strengthen interpersonal relationships and create a harmonious society.
The ethics of communication in Islam are essential for maintaining harmony in relationships between individuals and the community. Islam offers clear guidance on how Muslims should speak and interact with others. Below is a more detailed explanation of the ethics of communication in Islam:
- Siddiq (Honesty in Speech)
Honesty is one of the main foundations in Islam. In communication, a Muslim is obligated to convey information truthfully and refrain from lying. Allah commands speaking the truth because falsehood only damages trust and relationships. As mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah: 42, “And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].”
In communication, honesty not only means avoiding lies but also refraining from manipulating or misleading others.
- Qaulan Ma’rufan (Good Speech)
Islam teaches to speak kindly and avoid hurting others’ feelings. Good speech can foster respect and affection, while harsh or hurtful words can cause enmity. Allah says in Surah Al-Ahzab: 70, “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.”
Qaulan ma’rufan in communication also includes avoiding foul language, insults, or slander that could degrade others’ dignity.
- Tawadhu (Humility in Speech)
A Muslim is taught to speak humbly without arrogance. Arrogance in speech can harm communication by creating an impression of pride and disrespect. Allah says in Surah Luqman: 18-19, “And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.”
Tawadhu also means listening attentively and not dominating the conversation.
- Qaulan Baligha (Clear and Effective Speech)
Qaulan baligha means speaking clearly and concisely, so that the message is understood well by the listener. Clear speech is important when delivering advice, commands, or information to prevent misunderstandings. In Surah An-Nisa: 63, Allah says, “And speak to them a word to reach their very souls.”
Effective communication also involves speaking wisely, choosing the right words, and ensuring the message is easily understood.
- Qaulan Karima (Noble Speech)
Islam teaches to speak with respect and dignity. Qaulan karima means speech that is full of respect, kindness, and gentleness, especially when speaking to elders. In Surah Al-Isra: 23, Allah says, “And speak to them a noble word.”
Respect in communication includes not interrupting, not belittling, and showing empathy and courtesy.
- Avoiding Ghibah (Backbiting) and Namimah (Slander)
Ghibah and namimah are two major sins related to speech. Ghibah is talking about someone’s faults behind their back, while namimah is spreading false information or rumors. In Surah Al-Hujurat: 12, Allah forbids these actions, “And do not backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead?”
Avoiding ghibah and namimah is part of maintaining the honor of fellow Muslims and building a healthy, trustworthy community.
- Patience and Controlling Emotions
Patience is an essential character trait in communication. When faced with differences of opinion or unpleasant situations, a Muslim must remain calm and avoid quick anger. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Controlling emotions and remaining patient when speaking reflects emotional intelligence and helps avoid unnecessary conflicts.
- Avoiding Idle Talk
Islam highly values time and speech. Therefore, a Muslim is encouraged to engage in beneficial speech and avoid idle talk. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminded in a hadith, “Part of a person’s good Islam is leaving what does not concern him.” (Tirmidhi).
This means that in communication, every word should be considered for its benefit to oneself and others. Idle conversations waste time and energy without adding any value.
In summary, the ethics of communication in Islam serve to maintain good relationships with others, foster love, and avoid conflict. By implementing these principles, communication becomes a means to strengthen ties and build a harmonious and respectful society.
In conclusion, communication ethics in Islam are not just rules but a reflection of a Muslim’s faith and character. Good, honest, and loving speech brings blessings and maintains harmony in relationships. Communication framed with Islamic values has great power to unite hearts, resolve conflicts, and build a more peaceful and virtuous society.
Thus, let every word spoken be a prayer and a source of reward, by always guarding the tongue from futile and harmful matters. By following the communication ethics taught in Islam, we can not only improve social relations but also draw closer to Allah. Indeed, from a guarded tongue, noble character is born, which is the reflection of a true Muslim.
References
- The Holy Qur’an.
- Al-Ghazali, Abu Hamid. Ihya’ Ulum al-Din. Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyah, 2005.
- Al-Bukhari, Imam. Shahih al-Bukhari. Riyadh: Darussalam, 1997.
- Muslim, Imam. Shahih Muslim. Riyadh: Darussalam, 2007.
- Al-Qaradawi, Yusuf. Khuluq al-Muslim (The Morals of a Muslim). Cairo: Maktabah Wahbah, 1996.
- Nasution, Harun. Islam Ditinjau dari Berbagai Aspeknya. Jakarta: UI Press, 1985.
- Quraish Shihab, M. Tafsir al-Mishbah: Pesan, Kesan, dan Keserasian al-Qur’an. Jakarta: Lentera Hati, 2007.
- As-Sa’di, Abdurrahman bin Nasir. Tafsir As-Sa’di: Taisir al-Karim ar-Rahman fi Tafsir Kalam al-Mannan. Riyadh: Muassasah ar-Risalah, 2000.
- Al-Jurjani, Ali bin Muhammad. At-Ta’rifat (Definitions). Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyah, 1985.
- Al-Qardhawi, Yusuf. Etika Sosial dalam Islam. Jakarta: Gema Insani, 2002.