Abdul Razzaq al-Badr said,
This chapter is dedicated to describing how the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to talk.
223. Aisha related: “The speech of the Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) was not fast paced as that of yours. He spoke clearly, enunciating each word slowly so that anyone sitting with him would remember what he said.” [255]
Abdul Razzaq al-Badr said,
This shows that due to his eloquence and concise use of words, anyone sitting with him would easily remember all that he (peace be upon him) said.
Al-Bajūrī said,
Enunciating each word slowly ensures the clearness of the sentence and it leaves no room for doubts. It also helps the listener memorise that which he has heard.
224. Anas ibn Mālik related: “The Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) used to repeat a word thrice, in order that they (his listeners) could understand what was said correctly.” [256]
Ibn Hajar al-Haytamī said,
The Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) used to repeat the word or the sentence for a variety of reasons: to ensure he had the attention of the people, to ensure the audience understood the meaning or when the audience was increasing around him, to ensure everybody heard what he said. This exhibits the perfection of his compassion and mercy for his nation.
Based on this hadīth, it is recommended for the teacher to talk slowly and repeat his words to ensure the audience understands him.
225. Al-Hasan ibn Alī narrated: “I asked my maternal uncle Hind ibn Abī Hālah, who was known as one who would describe the features of the Prophet (peace be upon him), to describe to me the manner in which the Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) spoke. He replied, ‘The Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) was in a continual state of worry, constantly thoughtful and his mind was never at rest.
He would remain silent for long periods and he would not speak without need. He used to begin and end his speech with the name of Allāh, and his speech was concise yet comprehensive. He kept pauses between each sentence and word he uttered. There was no exaggeration in his speech, nor was there deficiency. He was not rude or unkind, nor did he disgrace anyone. He always glorified and appreciated the blessings of Allāh, and he never criticised food or drink even when it might be very minute. He did not criticise food, nor over-praise it. He was never angered for anything worldly. However if someone transgressed the limits in religious matters, he would not calm down until he avenged it. He neither became angry for a personal matter nor avenged for himself.
If he wanted to make a gesture or point at something, he would do so with his full hand. Whenever he was surprised by something, he turned his hands upside down, and when he spoke he moved his hands. He would hit the palm of his right hand with the inside part of his left thumb. When he became angry with someone, he would direct his attention away from that person. When he was happy he would gaze down. The laugh of his was mostly a smile and at that moment his front teeth glittered like shining hailstones piercing the clouds.’” [257]
Abdul Razzaq al-Badr said,
This hadīth is not authentic and it has some parts that are questionable. This is also the view of Ibn al-Qayyim.
Al-Bajūrī said,
The state of worry refers to his constant fear of Allāh and this is a common trait of all Prophets. However, in public he used to maintain a smile on his face for the people, to soften their hearts.
He glorified and appreciated the blessings of Allāh, those which are hidden, those which are apparent and those which are related to this world and the Hereafter. He did that by praising Allāh with his tongue and using these blessings in obeying Him.
Ibn Taymiyyah said,
The state of worry mentioned is intended to mean that he was always alert and attentive to what he received and this involves the heart and the eyes whilst silence and thoughtfulness involve the tongue and the heart. It is factual that he was never worried or concerned about a worldly matter.
Ibn Hajar al-Haytamī said,
He (peace be upon him) never rested because he was always busy in good deeds. He started and ended his speeches with the name of Allāh, meaning he started with the Bismillah and ended them with Alhamdulillah or Astaghfirullah. This was with the intention of making his speeches engulfed with the blessings of His Name.
Alī al-Qārī said,
He (peace be upon him) never became angry for a worldly matter, following the divine order: {And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendour of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.}[258]
He neither became angry for a personal matter nor avenged for himself as he always encountered insult with forbearance, and harm with forgiveness, following the divine order: {Enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.}[259]
He pointed out using his full hand because pointing out with some fingers is from the acts of the arrogant.