The Call of the Quran
4. Moral Concept of Islam
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At another place the Qur’an describes a donkey’s
braying as the worst possible sound. Therefore men,
should refrain from speaking in the strident tones of
the donkey, and express themselves rather with
gentleness and moderation.
And be modest in your gait, and lower your
voice; for the harshest of sounds without
doubt is the braying of the ass. (31:19)
It suggests that God loves a voice that is graced by
the sweetness of a bird song, not one like the
braying of an ass, which is an affront to the hearer’s
ears.
Of all human organs, the tongue is the most
valuable, as it is the means of exchange of ideas
among human beings. There are two ways of using
this organ: one pleases by virtue of its sincerity,
rationality and politeness, e.g. in the bringing of
good tidings; the other is marred by abrasiveness,
taunts and sarcasm, and in tone is like “the braying
of an ass,” which can never be to the liking of the
hearer. The Qur’an disapproves of the latter manner
as being uncouth, and insists that man’s speach
should have an aggreeable effect on the hearer.
