Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 89

Clarity of Discourse

باب استحباب بيان الكلام وإيضاحه للمخاطب وتكريره ليفهم إذا لم يفهم إلا بذلك

This chapter is about being understood. It commends bayan, clear and well explained speech, and the patience to repeat oneself so a listener genuinely grasps the meaning rather than merely hearing the words.

The two reports show the Prophet's own practice as the model: words measured and repeated when needed, and speech so plain that everyone present could follow it. The quiet lesson is that clarity is itself a courtesy, a way of honoring the person you are speaking to.

Hadith 695

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

عن أنس رضي الله عنه أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا تكلم بكلمة أعادها ثلاثاً حتى تفهم عنه، وإذا أتى على قومٍ فسلم عليهم سلم عليهم ثلاثاً‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه البخاري‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) said something, he would repeat his words thrice so that the meanings would be understood fully; and whenever he came upon a group of people, he would greet them, and he would repeat salutation thrice. [Al-Bukhari].

In plain words

The Prophet would repeat his words three times so their meaning was fully grasped, and would repeat his greeting three times to a group. Patient repetition helped people truly understand.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 695 In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 16

Hadith 696

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت‏:‏ كان كلام رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كلاماً فصلاً يفهمه كل من يسمعه‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

the speech of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was so clear that all those who listened to it would understand it. [Abu Dawud].

In plain words

The Prophet's speech was so clear that everyone who heard it could understand. Clarity in speaking is a way of caring for the listener.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 696 In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 17