What is the meaning of a good word?

ما هي الكلمة الطيبة؟

In Islam, a good word encompasses both spiritual remembrance and positive social interaction. It includes direct acts of worship like praising Allah and reciting the Quran, as well as ordinary, permissible speech intended to bring joy, comfort, and kindness to others.

في الإسلام، تشمل الكلمة الطيبة كلا من الذكر الروحي والتفاعل الاجتماعي الإيجابي. فهي تتضمن عبادات مباشرة كالثناء على الله وتلاوة القرآن، بالإضافة إلى الكلام المباح العادي الذي يقصد به إدخال السرور والراحة واللطف على الآخرين.

Islamic scholars explain that goodness in speech is not limited strictly to religious rituals. Any word spoken with the sincere intention to uplift another person is highly valued and rewarded by Allah.

يوضح علماء الإسلام أن طيب الكلام لا يقتصر فقط على الشعائر الدينية الصرفة. بل إن أي كلمة تقال بنية صادقة للترويح عن إنسان آخر لها قيمة عظيمة ويؤجر عليها المسلم عند الله.

The Two Divisions of a Good Word | قسما الكلمة الطيبة

Ibn Othamin may Allah have mercy on him said in his explanation of Riyadh al Saliheen that the good word is divided into two parts:
قال ابن عثيمين رحمه الله في شرح رياض الصالحين: الكلمة الطيبة تنقسم إلى قسمين:

1. Good in Itself (Spiritual Remembrance)
The first part is speech that is inherently good in itself, such as Al Thikr. This includes saying: there is no god but Allah, Allah is great, all thanks to Allah, and there is no power but from Allah. The best form of Thikr is reading the Quran.
1. طيبة بذاتها (الذكر)
طيبة بذاتها كالذكر: لا إله إلا الله، الله أكبر، الحمد لله، لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله، وأفضل الذكر قراءة القرآن.

2. Good in its Content and Purpose (Social Interaction)
The second part is the good word in its content and ultimate goal. This refers to any permissible word, such as talking to people with the sincere intention of being kind to them and pleasing them.
2. طيبة في غايتها (التفاعل الاجتماعي)
وأما الكلمة الطيبة في غايتها: فهي الكلمة المباحة، كالتحدث مع الناس إذا قصدت بهذا إيناسهم وإدخال السرور عليهم.

The Quranic Elevation of Good Speech | رفعة الكلم الطيب في القرآن

Allah Almighty affirms the high status of such speech in the Quran, stating that it actively rises to the heavens to be accepted and rewarded:
(To Him alone good words ascend) Surah Fatir 35: 10.
قال الله تعالى: (إِلَيْهِ يَصْعَدُ الْكَلِمُ الطَّيِّبُ) فاطر 35: 10.

Scholarly Insight: By defining a "good word" to include everyday, permissible conversations aimed at comforting others, Islamic scholars like Ibn Othamin demonstrate the vastness of Allah's mercy. A person does not need to be actively engaged in formal prayer to earn rewards. Simply chatting with a friend, a spouse, or a stranger to make them smile, lift their spirits, or ease their loneliness is elevated to an act of worship whose reward ascends directly to Allah.

Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة

What is the absolute best form of a good word?

According to scholars, while there are many beautiful forms of remembering Allah, the absolute best and most rewarding form of "Thikr" (remembrance) is reciting the Holy Quran.

Is normal chatting considered a good word?

Yes, if it is permissible speech and is done with the right intention. If you are chatting with someone to make them feel welcome, to bring them joy, or to show kindness, that normal conversation becomes a "good word" in its purpose.

What does "To Him alone good words ascend" mean?

This verse from Surah Fatir signifies that pure, sincere, and good speech is elevated to the presence of Allah, where He accepts it and prepares a great reward for the speaker.

Chapter 4.3 - Morality

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