Speak gently

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Throughout the centuries, rude and harsh behaviour has been a major factor in the destruction of peace and stable environments, often leading to conflict, instability, and disdain in people's hearts. A single word spoken harshly can throw the world into confusion and frustration, inviting despair and disappointment. Such behaviour can either stem from the nature or from the society that raises individuals who lack manners and gentle conduct — traits which are not inherently innate but must be nurtured.

Tone reveals one's hidden personality and can have severe repercussions. People often become reactionary when confronted with rudeness, mirroring the negativity they receive. This is the bitter harvest reaped from discourteousness. Words like ill-mannered, impertinent, impolite and thoughtless come to mind when thinking about those who misbehave. Isn't it so?

Plagued by such behaviour, countries frequently face political turmoil. This is visibly evident in state leaders who violate political decorum, often creating noisy and hostile environments in assembly halls or on media platforms — launching vitriolic attacks on each other. In doing so, they contribute to the erosion of human values. Strict social control, authoritative governance and human rights abuses often follow such displays of dominance, much to the dismay of the public.

In a world full of noise and harshness, even a small gesture of gentleness can disarm the warmonger and pave the way toward peace. A gentle speech can act as therapy during times of despair and disappointment, solving manifold problems that harsh behaviour only exacerbates. For instance, nations often resort to violence and war when faced with stern rhetoric and rigid stances. However, the same nations are willing to call a ceasefire when invited to the dialogue table - a peaceful alternative.

Kind words and moderate language open many doors to bonding and building relationships based on love and respect. The Quran emphasises this in Surah Al-Baqarah: "And speak kindly to people." (2:83)

All prophets throughout time have been epitomes of gentleness, teaching lessons of decency, sobriety and politeness. Yet, we seldom act upon these teachings.

Does it cost dollars to speak kindly and softly? Do we earn accolades for high-pitched voice or behaving rudely? Certainly not. Then why is the world so invested in such destructive and senseless behaviour just to showcase dominance?

Let us examine the reality: people often behave rudely to assert that "might is right". But in doing so, they reveal their lack of inner value, stooping to low levels while trying to belittle others. This doesn't impress the recipient — it only paints a picture of moral weakness and poor upbringing. Those who encounter such individuals often respond with dislike and contempt, rightly seeing them as troublesome and undignified.

Being kind and polite in communication wins hearts, earns respect and creates a lasting impression. Respect born out of fear is not true respect; it is mere compulsion bred from resentment. Even animals respond with loyalty when treated kindly. Humans, with their complex emotions, respond a thousand times more positively when shown love and regard.

Words carry tremendous power. Post-Pahalgam, India and Pakistan teetered on the edge of fragility. The nasty rhetoric exchanged — statements from Modi and military officials aired on the media — only inflamed hatred and animosity. If those same situations had been handled with diplomacy and dialogue, peace in the region might have been preserved. We all hoped for tranquility instead of belligerency.

In short, courteous behaviour and gentle words have the significant power to conquer everything. Therefore, create a world where people live with mutual respect and love, and let your words contribute to building an amiable environment for all. Moreover, let's avoid the world of mess and destruction. Hatred no more. Young and old, age and aged, all need the world where harmony prevails and love rules.