Ways of The Prophet (S.A.W)

Manner of conversation

[From the traditions reported by Hasan Ibn Ali (Radi Allahu Ta’ala’anhu)]

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) was all the time anxious about the Hereafter. He never relaxed and never spoke unless necessary. His silence used to be long. He used to speak distinctly from beginning to end. His speech was comprehensive with few but meaningful words. His discourses made a clear distinction between right and wrong without being irrelevant or sketchy. His nature was congenial, free from harshness and he never addressed anyone disparagingly. He esteemed every blessing even if it was small and never spoke ill of any blessing. He esteemed every blessing even if it was small and never spoke ill of any blessing. But he never praised or found fault with any eatable. (He did not find fault with it because it was a blessing and did not speak highly of it as this is more often due to greed and pleasing taste).

Nobody could face his anger when anybody opposed any right eousthing until he was able to establish the truth. He never lost temper for his own person nor revenged himself. If he had to point to something during speech he would move his whole arm. If he had to express surprise at any-thing he would stretch his head and turn it so that the palm was visible. While speaking, he would strike the palm of his left hand in the thumb of his right hand. When angry, he would avert his face or change from one side to the other. When pleased he would look forward with modesty. His laughter was often only a smile and the teeth that became visible looked (white) like hail-stone. [Nashrut-Tib, Shamail-e-Tirmizi]

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) knew all the dialects of Arabia. Umm Moid (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anhu) has related that he was elegant and clear in his speech. He was neither taciturn as to indulge in random talk. He was remarkably eloquent. [Nashrut-Tib]

Hadrat Jabir bin Abdullah (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anhu) narrated that the conversation of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) was very clear and according to Hadrat Aishah (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anha) the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) used to speak in such a manner that one could count the words if he so desired. [Nashrut-Tib]

Hadrat Aishah (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anha) narrated that like ordinary people, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) did not speak rapidly, running his words into one another, but enunciated each syllable distinctly so that what he spoke was imprinted in the memory of those who sat beside him. [Shamail-e-Tirmizi]

Hadrat Anas (Radi Allahu Ta’ala’anhu) narrated that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) would (sometimes) repeat his words (if necessary) even thrice so that these could be grasped well. [Shamail-e-Tirmizi]

If a mention of the details of any matter was considered indecent, he, Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) spoke about it metaphorically.

While the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) spoke, he had a smile on his lips as well as a pleasing disposition. [Nashrut-Tib]