Speech is one of humanity’s most profound and versatile tools. It has the power to inspire revolutions, mend broken relationships, and ignite imaginations. Yet, it can also deceive, manipulate, and destroy. The duality of speech-its capacity for both harm and good-has been recognised across cultures, religions, and disciplines. From ancient proverbs to modern psychology, the power of words has been celebrated and cautioned against.
The Magic of Eloquence: A Double-Edged Sword
The profound statement recorded by Bukhari in his Sahih of Prophet (ﷺ): “Indeed, some eloquence is a form of magic,‘’ captures the enchanting power of speech. Just as a magician can mesmerise an audience, a skilled orator can captivate hearts and minds, swaying opinions and evoking emotions. The Prophet’s remark highlights the dual nature of eloquence: it can be used to uplift and guide, or to deceive and manipulate.
The story of Al-Zibrīqān and ‘Amr ibn al-Ahtam illustrates this duality. Al-Zibrīqān, a chieftain of Banu Tamim, praised himself before the Prophet (ﷺ), claiming to be a just and respected leader. ‘Amr, his companion, initially spoke diplomatically, acknowledging Al-Zibrīqān’s strengths. However, when Al-Zibrīqān accused him of envy, ‘Amr responded with harsh criticism, calling him ignoble and foolish. The Prophet (ﷺ) observed this exchange and remarked on the power of eloquence, likening it to magic.
This story highlights the dual potential of speech. On one hand, ‘Amr’s initial praise demonstrated how words can honour and uplift. On the other hand, his subsequent criticism revealed how words can wound and divide. The Prophet’s (ﷺ) comparison of eloquence to magic serves as a reminder that speech, like magic, can be used for both good and ill.
Scholars have debated whether the Prophet’s statement was a critique of deceptive rhetoric or a celebration of the power of eloquent speech. The majority view leans toward the latter, emphasising that eloquence, when used ethically, is a noble and transformative tool. As Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr explains, eloquence is praised because of its power to move people emotionally and intellectually. It can inspire, persuade, and guide, much like the Prophet’s own speech, which was renowned for its beauty and precision.
The word spell (as in spelling a word) influenced the concept of casting a spell (using magic to influence others). The root spellam originally meant “story, tale, or narrative” and later, in the Middle Ages, came to mean a magical charm or incantation.
In Indo-European traditions, words were believed to have magical properties. For instance, ancient speakers of Proto-Indo-European avoided saying the true word for wolf, fearing it would summon the animal. This belief in the power of words also led to the concept of “curse words”-the idea that certain words could bring harm or misfortune.
In Islam, words hold immense power-not just socially, but spiritually. The Qur’an and Sunnah emphasise the weight of our speech, reminding us that our words can either uplift or harm, and they carry consequences in this life and the hereafter. One of the most profound teachings in Islam is the prohibition against cursing or making negative duas, especially against innocent believers. This includes parents, who are strictly warned against cursing their children.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not curse one another, do not call down the wrath of Allah or the fire of Hell upon one another” (Abu Dawud). This Hadith emphasises the gravity of using harmful language, as it can invoke divine displeasure. Cursing or making negative duas against others, particularly innocent believers, is considered a serious transgression because it contradicts the principles of mercy, justice, and compassion that Islam upholds.
Parents, in particular, are reminded of their sacred responsibility to nurture and guide their children with kindness. The Prophet (PBUH)) warned, “Do not curse yourselves, do not curse your children, do not curse your wealth, for it might coincide with a time when Allah answers prayers” (Muslim). A parent’s curse or negative dua can have far-reaching spiritual consequences, potentially impacting a child’s life in ways beyond human comprehension. Instead, parents are encouraged to make positive duas, seeking Allah’s guidance, protection, and blessings for their children.
Islam teaches us that words are not just sounds; they are prayers in themselves. When we speak ill of others or make harmful duas, we are essentially asking Allah to bring harm upon His creation-a creation He loves and cares for. This is why the Qur’an repeatedly emphasises the importance of good speech: “And speak to people good [words]” (2:83). Our words should reflect our faith, serving as a means of spreading kindness, healing, and positivity.
Words have immense power—writers, speakers, and storytellers are like ‘magicians’, shaping thoughts, emotions, and actions through language. By crafting words, they influence perceptions and transform understanding. Even a single word can alter meaning and shift someone’s perspective, highlighting the magic of communication.
In 1974, an experiment examined the impact of language on memory. Participants watched a video of a car crash and were later questioned about what they had seen. Some were asked if they had noticed the broken headlight, while others were asked if they had seen a broken headlight. Those who heard the definite article (the) were three times more likely to recall seeing a broken headlight-despite the fact that no such headlight existed in the video. This experiment highlights the profound influence of language in shaping perception and memory. A single word can alter what people believe to be true, demonstrating the cognitive power of linguistic framing.
Language is not merely a tool for communication; it is a force that shapes thoughts, emotions, and imagination. Consider the phrase “What if…”-a simple yet powerful prompt capable of igniting limitless possibilities in the mind.
The Harmful Potential of Speech
When speech is used with ill intentions, its effects can be devastating. The Prophet’s comparison of eloquence to magic serves as a cautionary reminder. Just as magic can deceive the eyes, eloquent speech can distort the truth, making falsehoods appear credible and trivial matters seem significant. History is replete with examples of demagogues and manipulators who used their rhetorical skills to incite violence, spread hatred, and consolidate power.
The saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is deeply flawed. Words can be as harmful as physical violence, often causing pain and damage over time through repeated exposure. While some may brush off insults, the impact of harmful language depends on the context and the individual’s experiences. Harmful language isn’t limited to overt slurs; it can also be subtle, coded, or dismissive, perpetuating oppressive norms about who deserves dignity and respect.
Dehumanising Language: Reducing People to Less Than Human
Dehumanising language is a psychological tool that strips individuals or groups of their humanity, making them seem unworthy of basic rights and dignity. This process often paves the way for systemic oppression and, in extreme cases, genocide (as In Gaza). Historical examples include Hitler and Stalin referring to targeted groups as “vermin” and “poisonous weeds,” the Rwandan genocide where Tutsis were called “cockroaches,” and the Cambodian genocide where victims were labelled “worms.” These types of descriptions still continue today some media describing migrants and asylum seekers as ‘cockroaches’.
In the U.S., dehumanising language has been ingrained in culture since its founding, from Indigenous Peoples being called “savages” in the Declaration of Independence to Black people being depicted as animals during slavery and beyond. Immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers, particularly people of colour, are often described as “illegals,” “aliens,” or “animals,” with terms like “hordes” or “flood” evoking a sense of threat.
Such language has real-world consequences. Studies show that dehumanising rhetoric increases harm: Stanford researchers found people were more likely to administer higher electric shocks to those described as animals, and Black defendants portrayed as ape-like in the media were more likely to receive the death penalty. After the 2016 U.S. election, hate crimes against Latine people surged by 176% following Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. And recently, hate crimes in the UK against Muslims have increased – possibly due to the dehumanising language used by some media about Islam and Muslims.
Dehumanising language shapes perceptions and actions, normalising injustice and violence against marginalised groups. It’s not just words-it’s a mechanism that enables suffering and oppression.
Pathologising Language: Framing People as Abnormal or Damaged
Pathologising language treats natural variations in human diversity as signs of abnormality or disease, often devaluing those who don’t conform to dominant societal norms. Historically, medicine and psychology have been used to categorise and rank human differences, labelling marginalised groups as inferior or defective.
For example, early evolutionary theorists falsely claimed that women and people of colour were less evolved, with pseudoscientific diagnoses like “female hysteria” (which pathologised everything from anxiety to advocating for rights) and “drapetomania” (a supposed “disease” causing enslaved people to flee). Similarly, people with disabilities were stigmatised as threats to societal health, leading to eugenics-based laws, including Nazi-era forced sterilisations and mass murders of disabled individuals.
Pathologising language persists today, particularly in psychiatry, where it often frames normal human reactions to life’s challenges-such as grief, stress, or emotional distress-as signs of mental illness or dysfunction. Terms like “disordered,” “afflicted,” or “impaired” can turn natural variations in human experience into problems to be fixed, reinforcing the idea that these responses are abnormal or pathological. This language not only shapes how others perceive and treat individuals experiencing these challenges but also impacts how people view themselves, often perpetuating stigma and undermining their sense of agency and resilience. By medicalising everyday struggles, psychiatry pathologises the human condition itself, limiting our understanding of what it means to navigate life’s complexities.
The Healing Power of Words
While speech can be harmful, it also holds immense potential for healing. One of the most profound applications of this power is in some talk therapy, a modality that relies entirely on the careful and intentional use of words. Talk therapy, rooted in the principles of empathy, active listening, and constructive dialogue, can help individuals process trauma, overcome mental health challenges, and achieve personal growth.
However, not all forms of counselling are equally beneficial. While talk therapy can be transformative, many secular counselling approaches often focus heavily on past trauma, which can inadvertently magnify the issue. Constantly revisiting and ruminating on problems-or even perceived problems- can make them feel larger and, in some cases, create issues that weren’t originally present. This emphasis on dwelling on past struggles can overshadow an individual’s resilience and capacity for growth, potentially reinforcing a sense of victimhood or helplessness. Effective therapy requires a balanced approach, where the therapist uses language thoughtfully and intentionally, fostering a safe and respectful space for healing without unnecessarily amplifying distress or pathologising normal human experiences.
Speech is indeed a form of magic-a force that can harm or heal, destroy or build, deceive or enlighten. As we navigate a world saturated with information and rhetoric, let us strive to use our words with intention and integrity. Let us celebrate the beauty of eloquence while remaining vigilant against its potential for harm. And let us recognise the transformative potential of authentic Islamic Counselling practice that harnesses the power of words to heal and empower.
