Page 56 - Beauties for Life in the Qur'an

54 BEAUTIES FOR LIFE IN THE QUR'AN

the other hand, may have a negative effect on others. Thus the
values, attitudes, and life of these people should support their ex-
planations.
We also need to remember that sincerity can be attained only
through true faith. Allah draws attention to this attribute of His
messengers in many verses. Indeed, in order to explain away the
impact that Allah's messengers have had upon their souls, unbe-
lievers throughout history have slandered them and called them
magicians.

Decisive Speech
Communicating the message with wisdom, that is, with con-
cise and effective speech, is another feature that is just as effective
as sincerity. Concise speech means to explain a subject through a
few striking words, mentioning only the necessary issues, and
avoiding irrelevant details. The Qur'an relates the importance of
wise speech:
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition,
and argue with them in the kindest way. Your Lord knows best
who has gone astray from His way, and knows best who has been
guided. (Surat an-Nahl: 125)
The key to wise speech is sincerity. From the verse below, we
understand that wisdom cannot be counterfeited and that one
can attain it only by the Will of Allah:
He gives wisdom to whoever He wills, and he who has been
given wisdom has been given great good … (Surat al-Baqara: 269)
Allah draws attention to the importance of decisive speech,
saying that it is a blessing from His sight, as we read below:
When he (Musa) reached full age and was firmly established (in
life), We bestowed on him wisdom and knowledge, for thus do
We reward those who do good. (Surat al-Qasas: 14)