Quran is a book of guidance and itself is a Communication from the Most High. It is believed that Quranic Messages were communicated to Muhammad, the Messenger of God. So Quran itself is a compilation of divine communications.

In the Quran we see that God instructs the Messenger and its future readers about communicating with others and certain principles of those communication.

Whatever we say or communicate - we must bear responsibility, because whatever we utter, is recorded.

Not a word does a person utter without having a ˹vigilant˺ observer ready ˹to write it down˺. (Surah Qaf 50:18)

قول Qawl is the key word coming from the verbal root Qaaf-waaw-laam ق و ل q-w-l which means ‘speech, talk, to say, to speak, to tell, a word, saying, utterance, remark, statement, declaration, report, account, doctrine, teaching’. Qawl is a verbal noun in Arabic.

Let us first look at various Qawl and related instructions.

قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا – Qawlan Kareema: A Noble Word, a Generous Speech

“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” (Surah al Israa 17: 23)

When we converse with our parents, we need to be humble and generous by using noble, kind and respectful words and be generous in our talk.

قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا – Qawlan Sadeeda: Straight to the Point, Words of Appropriateness

Sadeed means apt, correct, straight, pertinent, to the point, direct, appropriate justice.

In the Qur’an, Qawlan Sadeeda comes in two places:

a. While talking to people in normal day to day life:

“O you who believe! Guard your duty to Allah, and speak words straight to the point”. (Surah al Ahzaab 33:70)

While talking with people, don’t act smart or beat around the bush but come to the point and be straightforward in your expression. Use apt words and speak directly. Don’t play with words. Also one should draw a clear line between being straightforward and being rude.

Let the guardians be as concerned ˹for the orphans˺ as they would if they were to ˹die and˺ leave ˹their own˺ helpless children behind. So let them be mindful of Allah and speak equitably. (Surah Nisa 4:9)

قَوْلًا لَّيِّنًا – Qawlan Lay’yina: Gentle Speech, Mild Words

“And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah].” (Surah Taha 20:44)

This ayah tells Prophet Moses and Aaron to talk to Phir’oun, the tyrant, in a gentle way.

قَوْلًا مَّيْسُورًا Qawlam Maysoora: Easy Word, Gentle Words.

“And if you [must] turn away from the needy awaiting mercy from your Lord which you expect, then speak to them a gentle word” (Surah al Israa 17: 28)

This ayah is about spending one’s wealth. The situation is, if somebody comes and asks you something, and if you are not in a position to pay them or fulfill their demand, then at least be kind enough to use easy, polite, soft, kind and gentle words. Don’t repel or be harsh on the poor and the needy.

قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوفًا – Qawlam Ma’roofa: Honorable Word

Other meaning include: appropriate, proper saying, words of appropriate kindness.

The word appears in 4 ayah in the Quran.

There is no blame upon you for that to which you [indirectly] allude concerning a proposal to women or for what you conceal within yourselves. Allāh knows that you will have them in mind. But do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying. And do not determine to undertake a marriage contract until the decreed period reaches its end. And know that Allāh knows what is within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that Allāh is Forgiving and Forbearing. (Surah Baqara 2:235)

Do not entrust the incapable ˹among your dependants˺ with your wealth which Allah has made a means of support for you—but feed and clothe them from it, and speak to them kindly. (Surah An-Nisa 4:5)

If relatives, orphans, or the needy are present at the time of distribution, offer them a provision from it and speak to them kindly. (Surah An-Nisa 4:8)

O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women: if you are mindful ˹of Allah˺, then do not be overly effeminate in speech ˹with men˺ or those with sickness in their hearts may be tempted, but speak in a moderate tone. (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:32)

قَوْلًا بَلِيغًا – Qawlam Baleegha: Far Reaching, Penetrating & Words of Insight

“Those are the ones of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts, so turn away from them but admonish them and speak to them a far-reaching word.” (Surah an-Nisaa 4:63)

When talking to the hypocrites, Muslims are enjoined to admonish them by using penetrating words so that they get a chance to think and apply their mind and hence change their hearts.

There are two advice given against what not to say.

قَوْلًا عَظِيمًا – Qawlan Azim: Terrible word, Grave Saying

Then, has your Lord chosen you for [having] sons and taken [i.e., adopted] from among the angels daughters? Indeed, you say a grave saying. (Surah Al-Isra 17:40)

We should not commit the folly which the People of the Book did: قَوْلًا غَيْرَ الَّذِي قِيلَ لَهُمْ Communicating a word which has not been said to them/you!

But those who wronged among them changed [the words] to a statement other than that which had been said to them. So We sent upon them a punishment from the sky for the wrong that they were doing. (Surah Al-Araf 7:162)

Being with the Truthful

O you who have attained faith, be mindful of God and be with the truthful. (Surah At-Tawbah 9:119)

It's important to become a companion, helper, walker, and associate with those who are sincere and truthful.

Best in Speech as per Quran

“And who is better in speech than one who invites to God and does righteousness deed and says, “Indeed, I am of the Submitters to God.” (Surah Fussilat 41: 33)

The one who communicates truth and invites people to truth, his, her communication is the best!

// Based on The Qur’anic Art of Effective Communication article