Page 51 - The Importance of Following the Good Word

who may be better than themselves; nor should any
women ridicule other women who may be better than
themselves. And do not find fault with one another or
insult each other with derogatory nicknames. How
evil it is to have a name for evil conduct after coming
to faith! Those people who do not turn from it are
wrongdoers. (Surat al-Hujurat, 11)
Another example is found in the verses regarding the
proper manner of speaking towards one's parents. One verse
reads:
Your Lord has decreed that you should worship none
but Him, and that you should show kindness to your
parents. Whether one or both of them reach old age
with you, do not say "Ugh!" to them out of irritation
and do not be harsh with them but speak to them with
gentleness and generosity. (Surat al-Isra´, 23)
As seen, Allah also teaches believers how to speak well,
and the need of being good towards one's parents. Indeed,
the example stated in the above verse is one of the clearest in
this regard. Those do not live by the religion will also tend to
speak to their parents with respect. But, once their personal
well-being is at stake, or when they encounter something
they dislike, they may suddenly change their disposition. A
believer, however, who lives by the morality of the Qur'an, is
tender and respectful towards his parents, to the extent of not
even grunting in impatience. And, he remains dutiful
throughout his life, and under all conditions, for this is the
noblest way to attain Allah's good pleasure. The importance
of saying the good word in all circumstances is emphasized
by our Prophet (saas) in the following way:

Speaking the Good Word 49