7 Ways to Become a Better Listener as a Muslim

Communication is an integral factor in strengthening our relationships, be it personal or professional. Effective communication helps us succeed in various aspects of life and improves our personal and professional growth. As much as Islam teaches its followers to perform religious obligations, it also guides them to learn social values and implement them in day-to-day life.

7 Ways to Become a Better Listener as a Muslim

As practicing Muslims, being an active listener has multiple benefits for our social, personal, and professional success. Our relationships with friends, family, loved ones, and colleagues majorly depend on how we communicate. Those with excellent verbal and non-verbal skills reach heights of fame, whereas those who lack such traits experience chaotic relationships.

This blog contains seven (7) ways to become a better listener as a Muslim. We will learn the habits of good listeners and the teachings of Allah’s beloved Messenger (PBUH) about effective listening.

What is Effective Listening?

Listening implies receiving information, interpreting meaning, and replying to messages. It is an integral element without which communication is incomplete. Effective listening is gathering facts and figures by attentively taking the information and responding to the speaker. It shows that we have absorbed the information and are interested in learning and understanding what the speaker has delivered. It requires different senses to take the input and actively respond to the speaker.

Islamic Parameters on Effective Listening

Humans naturally socialize and mingle; they need to communicate, speak, understand and listen to different people. One needs to listen more and speak less to lead a peaceful and less chaotic life. Allah (SWT) blessed us with two ears and one mouth to focus more on what the other person is saying and absorb his words instead of speaking mindlessly.

Islam provides us with a complete code of life and offers comprehensive guidelines in each subject of life. It has also guided us in matters of efficient communication. The beloved book of Allah (SWT), Al’Qur’an, and His Final Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized this subject on various occasions. Moreover, Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWW) life is a perfect example and role model if we want to learn how to communicate and listen actively.

Al Qur’an about Effective Listening

The Holy Qur’an instructs Muslims to perform effective listening and speaking skills; the following verses highlight this matter:

1. « Invite people to the way of your Lord with wisdom and counsel. And argue with them in the best of manners » [Al Qur’an 16:125]
2. « So (Prophet) it is through mercy from Allah that you are gentle to them. Had you been rough and hard-hearted, they would have from around you. So, pardon them and seek forgiveness for them » [03:159]
3. « Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is best, and you will see the one you had mutual enmity with him will turn as if he were a close friend » [41:34]

Habits of Good Listeners

Good listeners listen with an open mind and pay full attention to the person they are conversing with. They refrain from dishonesty behavior and avoid baseless arguments. Some of the good qualities of good listeners are listed below:

• They focus on listening without interrupting the speaker.
• They are open to receiving criticism.
• They are non-judgemental.
• They are self-disciplined.

Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWW) Teachings about Listening

The Holy Prophet (SAW) has been narrated: « Allah Almighty is kind, loves kindness and awards such reward based on kindness which he does not award on harshness nor anything else. » [Muslim: 2593]

The Last Prophet of Allah, Muhammad (PBUH), was an epitome of excellent communication skills and was sent as the perfect human being apostle for humanity. His personality was inspired by people wanting to meet and communicate with him. When his companions visited him, he would listen attentively and respond only after understanding the other person’s thoughts. The Prophet’s message to his followers would be clear, concise, and straightforward.

The Holy Qur’an explains the advice of Hazrat Luqman (AS) to his son: « And do not turn your cheeks away from people and do not walk on the earth haughtily. Surely, Allah does not like anyone arrogant, proud. » [31:18]

Listening without judging and disowning other person’s point of view is a soft skill everyone should master. Our religion also encourages us to be good listeners and understand people’s thoughts before concluding. Active listening saves us from many conflicts in our personal, social, and professional aspects of life. Listening is an art and one who masters it becomes a kind, empathetic and non-judgmental person.

As Muslims, we have the Divine Book from Allah, Al Qur’an, and His Messenger’s (PBUH) universal teachings that can save us from many troubles.