Communicating with Kindness – Tips from The Seerah

We live in what is called – ‘The Information Age’. And to relay this awful amount of information, we communicate. Our methods of communication are now mostly over our smartphones, using email and all sorts of technology that enables one person to send another person a message. This is what we define as ‘Communication’ in the modern age. However, there are still instances where we are required to meet people face to face. When we look into the Sunnah, we will find that Nabi S.A.W. has taught us how to communicate with kindness. This week, inshaAllah, as part of our Rabi Ul Awwal focus, we will be looking at some of these teachings…

1. Smile
Nabi S.A.W. always expressed cheery facial expressions while meeting or passing by people, apart from when He saw someone committing wrongdoing. Abdullah Ibn Haarith (R.A) said:

ما رأيت أحدا أكثر تبسما من رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم
“I never came across a person who smiled as much as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).” (At-Tirmidhi).

It shows that keeping a smiling face is an open invitation to others for dialogue and giving an indication of friendliness as Nabi S.A.W. always had a welcoming conduct. This behavior of openness to all serves as a great source of being able to spread one`s message anywhere anytime. Consider an example of a person who is new to a given city, and wants to know about a particular address. If that person meets an individual who is already agonized due to any reason, there are maximum chances that the first person would be rejected even a chance to talk with the latter one. But through jovial gestures, one cannot only get someone`s attention to converse with but also serve as relieving that person`s grief. Nabi S.A.W. is reported to have said:
“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Why is smiling regarded as a charity? Because charity is given for the purpose of helping out others, a happy face also serves the same purpose and facilitates others with a good feeling. It also means that giving positive expressions is a deed of earning Allah`s blessings as does charity. Before you start talking, smile. This is an instant ingredient to start any conversation positively and to remove any past ill feelings that could be present.

2. Shake hands
Accompany your greeting with shaking hands (if you are greeting your mahram or a person of your gender). This act is useful in achieving trust of others and giving them indication of association with each other.

“There are no two Muslims who meet and shake hands, but they will be forgiven before they part.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]