“He grants wisdom to those Whom He wills: and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted much good. Yet none except men of understanding take heed.” [Qur’an, 2: 269]
Two major characteristics of a Muslim define his personality as a conscious and disciplined person mindful of his duties to his Creator and society. Wisdom is a great favor of Allah SWT that guides a person to make the right decisions and follow them in a social environment. On the other hand, the communication function is the channel by which he interacts with his fellow humans and collaborates with them intellectually for the benefit of society in the pursuit of the essence of his life. True wisdom consists in seeking Allah’s pleasure by using one’s resources: time, energy, intellect, and material means, for the social, moral, and economic well-being of the society. One who risks the well-being of his eternal existence for the sake of highly transient well-being in this world is indeed unwise.
Substantively, the communication style gauges a person’s intellectual capability, his train of thoughts, perceptions, and values, and how he conducts himself in a conversational setting, even when others disagree with him. For a Muslim, it is a narrow path to walk: “The believers have indeed attained true success …..who avoid whatever is vain and frivolous.” [Qur’an, 23: 1 – 3] That is, the believers do not concern themselves with talks that are useless and serve no beneficial purpose. The Qur’an says: “The believers do not bear witness to falsehood and, if they pass by a vain thing, they pass by it with honorable avoidance.” [Qur’an, 25: 72] A true Muslim is one who is always conscious of his duties and realizes that the limited time granted to him for so doing is extremely crucial for his success in the timeless future. He displays good taste, chase temperament, and fine sensibility. He is respectful to others in all encounters, and is required to talk truthfully when engaged in any conversation: “Believers, fear Allah and speak the truth. Allah will set your deeds right….” [Qur’an’ 33: 70 – 71]
In short, man is an exceptionally created intelligent agent. The tongue is an indispensable asset Allah SWT has uniquely granted to him for communication as a vehicle for disseminating knowledge and transforming his intellectual capability into civilizational progress and self-realization: “The most Merciful (Allah) has taught this Qur’an. He it is Who created man and taught him speech.” [Qur’an’ 55: 1 – 4] Conversely, this asset can be lethal and destructive if used unwisely and recklessly. It is strongly advised to guard the tongue. Imam Ghazali says it is a double-edged sword. It can do much good or much harm, depending on how it is used. The Prophet SAW asserts to be careful: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak well or keep silent.” [Muslim]; and promises: “Whoever guards what is between his jaws and legs, I shall guarantee him paradise.” [Bukhari]
Some useful wisdom tips are listed below:
Wisdom Tips
“…We granted Luqman wisdom to be grateful to Allah…”
[Qur’an, 31: 12]
* Wisdom demands thankfulness to the One Who has bestowed it.
* The only right way to thank for a favor is to use it for the purpose it is bestowed.
* Thanking Allah SWT for wisdom is to obey Him all the way.
* Any other way is defiance to Him and will be counted against.
* Self-dignity requires either to be in a state of thankfulness or patience.
* Any other state of mind leads to anguish and humiliation.
* Fix the problem you created by correcting yourself.
* Don’t look for justifications or someone to blame.
* If it is external, it is from Allah SWT as a test to raise you higher if you turn to Him.
* Share your problems with only those who can help; otherwise, you will lower yourself.
* Do not put yourself at the center of every conversation.
* You are not the most important nor is the universe revolving around you.
* Others will respect (see) you if you can see beyond yourself.
* Talk coherently with a focus; otherwise, there will be no message but noise.
* Do not talk non-stop; otherwise, they will stop listening to you.
* Give space to others to share their views; otherwise, you will stop learning.
* Depriving others of their right to speak causes mental stagnation and is simply unjust.
* The best etiquette is to listen before talking.
* Yielding, rather than jumping in, creates an environment conducive to mutual understanding.
* The best ratio is 20/80 for an intelligent discourse:
* That is, talk 20% and listen 80%; you will make headways. Thank Allah SWT!
Islamic Point of View 