Fine Speech

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “There is a dwelling in Paradise whose outside can be seen from inside (from its lucidness and purity).” Abu Malik Ashari asked, “Whose shall it be, O Messenger of Allah?” He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “He whose speech is fair, who feeds others, and who spends the night standing in prayer when people sleep.” [Tabarani]

It is praiseworthy for one to use amiable words, have a cheerful expression, and to smile. The proper place for severity in speech and harshness (“Let them find severity in you…” Quran 9:123) is in forbidding the wrong after gentleness and affability have proved ineffective.