The Criteria of Speech in Islam

In any society and language, speech and the way of delivering it is a daily necessity of man’s life. Therefore, religious teachings, specifically the Holy Quran and the narrations of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) contain explicit and implicit references about speech and its components. Based on an analytical, library-based approach, this study which refers to the verses of the Holy Quran and the words of the Infallibles (peace be upon them) points out the important criteria of speech. In order to achieve this aim, the question concerning how and why speech is delivered has been analyzed in the light of Qur''anic verses and narrations. The findings of the study show that such features like purpose_centredness, richness, stating the truth, using tender words, honesty, frankness, vitality and vivacity, general reverence, avoiding calumny and falsehood etc. are among the main criteria of the effectiveness of a good speech.