Alright, Gen Z fam, let’s talk about something we all deal with on a daily basis: emails and messages. Whether it’s your text convo with your bestie or that work email you just can’t avoid, the way we communicate online can sometimes feel a bit disconnected from the personal touch. But hey, guess what? Even in the digital age, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has some timeless tips for how we should behave in our online communications. So grab your phone, sit back, and let’s dive into some prophetic email and messaging etiquette that’ll help you slay your chats with kindness, respect, and a little humor along the way!
1. Start with Peace: Salam, Not “Yo!”
We’ve all received a message that just starts with “Hey” or “Yo,” right? While it’s chill in some circles, Islam encourages us to bring the best of manners into our conversations, especially when we’re connecting with others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to greet people with “Assalamu Alaikum” (peace be upon you), which wasn’t just a casual greeting, it was a beautiful way to wish well-being upon the other person. So next time you shoot a message, try starting with “Assalamu Alaikum” (or “Salam” for short). It’s like sending a little prayer of peace every time you text! Plus, it’s a way of keeping the barakah (blessings) flowing in your conversations.
Pro Tip: If you want to keep it extra cool, you could even add the full “Wa Alaikum Assalam” when responding. Bonus points for making someone’s day just a little bit brighter!
2. Be Clear, Be Polite, Don’t Be Spammy
Listen, we’ve all gotten a message that was basically a wall of text. You scroll and scroll and scroll… and you’re like, “Can I just get a TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)?!” The Prophet (PBUH) was known for his clarity in speech. He would speak clearly, succinctly, and to the point. He didn’t waste anyone’s time with unnecessary details. Now, we’re not saying you can’t send long messages when necessary (we all get excited), but try to be mindful about being clear and respectful of the other person’s time.
Prophetic Tip: If you have a lot to say, consider breaking it up into short, digestible bits. Not only will this make your message easier to understand, but it’ll show that you care enough to respect the other person’s attention span!
3. Emojis? Yes, But Keep It Respectful!
Okay, let’s talk about emojis. We love a good emoji (who doesn’t?), but sometimes it can get a little extra, right? The Prophet (PBUH) was all about kindness and joy, and while he didn’t have emojis in his day, he did spread positivity through his actions and words. He would use his words to lift people up and never cause discomfort.
So, when you send that little winking emoji or a thumbs-up, make sure it’s in good context and doesn’t cross any boundaries. While emojis can express warmth and kindness, they’re best used in moderation. You don’t want to end up sending a message that makes people go, “Wait, what just happened?”
Pro Tip: Use emojis to add flavor to your message but avoid overdoing it. Too many emojis can make you look like you’re trying too hard. Keep it chill, like the Prophet would’ve done.
4. Be Patient and Don’t Rush Responses
In the age of instant gratification, it’s tempting to expect a reply to your message right now. But the Prophet (PBUH) had patience down to an art. He was never quick to respond just to fill silence; he took his time, thought carefully, and replied when it was best to do so.
If someone takes a while to reply to your messages, don’t freak out. They could be busy, or maybe they’re taking a moment to reply thoughtfully, just like the Prophet would have. Avoid the pressure of “I need this NOW!” and remember that the world won’t end if you don’t get an immediate response.
Pro Tip: If you’re expecting an urgent reply, politely mention it in your message, but keep your tone cool and respectful. A little “Insha’Allah, hope to hear from you soon!” goes a long way.
5. Avoid Gossip and Backbiting in Group Chats
Alright, you’ve been in that group chat where it’s just endless gossip, right? While talking about others might seem fun, Islam strongly discourages backbiting and spreading negativity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made it clear that speaking ill of someone behind their back is a serious no-no.
So, if you’re in a group chat and someone starts dissing someone else, be the one to change the vibe. Switch the topic, throw in a meme, or drop a quick reminder of how important it is to keep the conversation positive. Keep your chats fun, light, and respectful.
Pro Tip: If you hear something shady in a group chat, try not to engage. Instead, bring up something cool or inspirational to shift the mood! Make your group chats a space for good vibes only!
6. Use Good Manners, Even When You Disagree
Disagreements happen. Whether it’s a heated debate in your DMs or a difference of opinion in a group chat, Islam encourages us to engage with respect, even when we disagree. The Prophet (PBUH) would always engage in discussions with kindness, understanding, and humility. He never raised his voice or belittled anyone, even when he was right.
So, if you find yourself disagreeing with someone, avoid getting snappy or rude. Use kind words, stay calm, and express your opinion with respect. You’ll stand out as the bigger person, and your message will be much more impactful.
Pro Tip: Disagree with respect. If you can’t keep it calm, take a break and return when you’re in a better mindset. It’s all about keeping the peace!
Final Thoughts: The Prophet’s Digital Legacy
At the end of the day, communicating with love, respect, and patience was the hallmark of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) character. We might be living in a world full of instant messages, but we can still uphold the values he taught us, even in the digital space.
So, next time you shoot a text, send an email, or hit up a group chat, think of it as an opportunity to embody the best of prophetic manners. Keep it kind, clear, and respectful, and who knows? You might just end up making someone’s day a little brighter!
Pro Tip for the Road: Take a minute to send a “Salam” to someone today. You never know how much that simple greeting might change their mood!