The Sublime Speech of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam

Sayyidah Aayesha Radiallahu Anha narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam’s mubarak speech was clear and each word was distinct from the other. Those who listened to him were able to retain his words precisely if they wished. —Shamail, Page 14

Abu Darda Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam smiled often during the course of an address. —Musnad Ahmad. Hind Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam never engaged in futile talk. He only spoke what was necessary. Each word was distinct from the next. —Shamail, Page 14

Hand movements and indications during speech  

Hind Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam would [occasionally] strike the right palm upon the inner portion of the left thumb [whilst addressing them]. Another narration mentions it the other way, i.e. striking the left palm on the inner portion of the right thumb. —Tirm’izi  

Sahl Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam once said to them: Qiyamah and I have been sent like this. Saying this Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam brought together his index and middle fingers,’ —Sahih Bukhari, Vol z, Page 799

Repeating speech thrice  

Anas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam would repeat his statements thrice so that he could be understood correctly. —Shama’il, Page 14

A Comprehensive description by Ibn al Qayyim

Ibn al-Qayyim writes: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam was the most eloquent human being. His speech was sweet and lucid and it sank into the depths of th< hearts of those who were listening. It captivated their souls. His speed, was clearly spaced so that anybody wishing to count the number of words would be able to do so. It was neither fast nor was it so slow that it would be difficult to make sense of what was being said. It was precise and perfect in every sense. —Zad al-Madd, Vol. l, Page 182  

Illustrating Speech with examples

Abu Uthman narrates: ‘I was sitting in the shade of a tree with Salman Radiallahu Anhu. He caught hold of a dry branch and shook it till it shed all its leaves. He then asked:’O Abu Uthman, would you not enquire why I am doing this?’ I said: ‘Why have you done so?’ He said: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam did the same when I was sitting under a tree with him. He then asked me if I would not enquire the reason for his action. When I enquired he said: ‘If a Muslim performs an excellent wudhu and then performs his five compulsory Salah his sins are shed just as the leaves have fallen from this branch,’ —Majma’, Vol 2, Page 16/17

Speaking  non-Arabic words

In a lengthy Hadith narrated by Jabir Radiallahu Anhu concerning the digging of the trench he says the following: ‘I went to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam and informed him that I had slaughtered a goat and cooked some bread. I invited him to partake of it and to bring a few companions along. All of a sudden, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam announced in a loud voice: ‘O diggers of the trench; Jabir has prepared a Sur for you so come along.’ —Sahib Bukhari, Voi 2, Page $88/9

Note: The word Sur is Persian. It refers to a meal [prepared for guests]. —Majma Bihar al-Anwar, Vol 3, Page 146

It is narrated in a hadith reported by Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu that once when he was ill Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam enquired about his ailment using a Persian phrase. —Sunan Ibn Majah, Page 247

Entertaining the family by narrating a tale

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam would relate relevant incidents to his family members. This was on account of his sublime character and his consideration for others. Consequently, Sayyidah Aayesha Radiallahu Anha narrates that one night Rasulullah narrated an incident to his wives. It was such an amazing and incredible incident that one of them remarked that it was similar to tales known as Khurafah [Arabs referred to all seemingly far­ fetched tales as Khurafah]. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam asked her: ‘Do you know the real story about Khurafah?’ Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam went on to say that Khurafah was actually the name of a man who belonged to the Banu Azrah tribe. He was captured by the Jinn and they kept him with them for a long time. He was eventually released and allowed to return to his people. He would narrate astonishing and incredible stories about the Jinn. Since then, people referred to all strange stories as Khurafah. —Musnad Ahmad/Shamail Page 17

Source: The Sublime Conduct of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam