Page 70 - Communication and Argument in the Qur'an

68 COMMUNICATION AND ARGUMENT IN THE QUR’AN

results. For example, Nuh (as) lived for 950 years (Surat Al-
‘Ankabut: 14) and spent centuries telling his people about
religion. In fact, he is one of the greatest examples of
patience. According to the Qur’an, Nuh (as) told his peo-
ple:
He said: “My Lord, I have called my people night and
day, but my calling has only made them more evasive.
Indeed, every time I called them to Your forgiveness,
they put their fingers in their ears, wrapped them-
selves up in their clothes, and were overweeningly
arrogant. Then I called them openly. Then I addressed
them publicly and addressed them privately. I said:
‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Truly, He is Endlessly
Forgiving.’” (Surah Nuh: 5-10)

4. The art of speaking wisely
The ability to speak well, that is, speaking to the point,
expressing the issue’s essence, saying only what is neces-
sary, being convincing and pleasing, and having the ability
to influence others is an art. Allah has given this special
ability to His beloved servants. For example, He says of
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David (as): We made his kingdom strong and gave him wis- -
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d dom and decisive speech (Surah Sad: 20). In another
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verse, He explains this art in the following words:
He gives wisdom to whoever He wills, and he who has
been given wisdom has been given great good. But no
one pays heed but people of intelligence. (Surat al-
Baqara: 269)