Islam's Teachings on Listening
Active listening is a skill that involves paying attention to what someone else is saying, understanding their message, and responding appropriately. Active listening can improve communication, build trust, and foster empathy. But what does Islam teach us about active listening? How can we practice it in our daily lives as Muslims?
In this blog post, we will explore some of the teachings of Islam on active listening, and how they can help us become better listeners and learners.
One of the verses of the Quran that highlights the importance of active listening is Surah al-Tawba, verse 61:
وَمِنْهُمُ الَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ النَّبِيَّ وَيَقُولُونَ هُوَ أُذُنٌ ۚ قُلْ أُذُنُ خَيْرٍ لَّكُمْ
Among them are those who torment the Prophet, and say, ‘He is (all) ear.’ Say, ‘An ear that is good for you. (Quran 9:61)
This verse refers to the hypocrites who mocked the Prophet (peace be upon him) for being a good listener. They said he was "all ear" and listened to whatever people told him. They meant it as an insult, but Allah revealed that his active listening was actually a blessing for them. Why? Because he listened to:
- The revelation from Allah and conveyed it to them
- The words that were good and virtuous and encouraged them
- The difficulties and excuses of the people and showed them mercy and compassion
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was an example of active listening. He listened to people with respect, attention, and understanding. He did not interrupt them or judge them harshly. He did not listen to gossip or slander or falsehood. He listened to what was beneficial and acted upon it.
Another verse of the Quran that shows the value of active listening is Surah al-Zumar, verse 18:
الَّذِينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ هَدَاهُمُ اللَّهُ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمْ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
Those who listen to the word and follow the best of it. Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding. (Quran 39:18)
This verse describes the qualities of the people of understanding, who are guided by Allah. They listen to the word of Allah and follow the best of it. They do not listen to it superficially or selectively. They do not listen to it with prejudice or arrogance. They listen to it with sincerity and humility. They listen to it with the intention of learning and applying it.
Active listening is also a way of showing respect and appreciation to the speaker. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah." (Abu Dawud)
One of the ways we can thank people is by listening to them attentively and respectfully. We can show them that we value their opinions and feelings. We can show them that we care about their well-being and happiness.
Active listening is also a way of fulfilling our rights and duties towards each other as Muslims. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"The rights of one Muslim over another are six." It was said: "What are they?" He said: "When you meet him, greet him; when he invites you, accept his invitation; when he asks for advice, give him sincere advice; when he sneezes and praises Allah, say 'may Allah have mercy on you'; when he is sick, visit him; and when he dies, follow his funeral." (Muslim)
All these rights involve active listening in one way or another. We listen to their greetings and respond to them. We listen to their invitations and accept them graciously. We listen to their requests for advice and give them honest feedback. We listen to their praises of Allah and supplicate for them. We listen to their complaints and comfort them