Sound Speech The Sunday Guardian | December 26, 2010 | Page 15
The Quran emphasises on sound speech or straight speech. This is important in social life. In the chapter Al-Ahzab (The Confederates) the Quran gives its guidance in these words: “Believers, fear God, and say the straight speech. He will make your conduct sound and forgive you your sins. Whoever obeys God and His Messenger has indeed achieved a great success. (33:70-71)
Fear of God is not simply a fear, it makes you sincere, it makes you responsible, and it makes you honest. These are the qualities that enable you to speak in a sound manner. There is no doubt about the fact that sound thinking is of the greatest importance with regard to personality development and for the building of a better society. Sound thinking leads to sound speech is one in which there is one in no confusion, that is based on facts. Sound thinking inculcates realistic thinking and it is realistic approach that leads to all kinds of success. Sound speech and sound writing is understandable. It address people’s mind, it touches the heart. A sound thinker always speaks in the language of nature is common to both the speaker and the listener. It is this commonality that makes speaking and writing of a sound thinker acceptable to all. Sound thinking is based on reason; sound thinking is a result of awakening; sound thinking is an outcome of deep contemplation; it is free of biases and prejudices.
Due to this quality, sound speech and sound writing directly address man’s heart. It has the power to change one’s character and revolutionise minds. It is this quality of sound speech that can bring about reform in a society.