Discover the power of words and the fear of humiliation in this episode. Learn about the impact of words, the importance of respect, and the hindrance of self-expression due to fear.
Insults and accusations can cause emotional pain and be more devastating than physical harm for humans, as demonstrated by Quranic examples like the story of Maryam who preferred death to the shame of being questioned about her baby.
The fear of humiliation can undermine one's ability to articulate themselves, even for confident professionals, and becomes more challenging when dealing with close family members, leading Muslims to address wrongdoings in a manner that avoids humiliation and cruelty.
Deep dives
The Power of Words and Fear of Humiliation
Human beings are unique in that they are deeply affected by words and the fear of humiliation. While insulting an animal has no impact, insults and accusations can cause emotional pain and be more devastating than physical harm for humans. Quranic examples, such as the story of Maryam, highlight the power of humiliation, with Maryam preferring death to the shame of being questioned about her baby. This fear is not exclusive to individuals, as even prophets like Musa feared humiliation. This understanding leads Muslims to avoid humiliating or insulting others, as they recognize the seriousness of these actions.
The Impact of Words on Confidence and Expression
The capability to articulate oneself and demonstrate expertise can be undermined by the fear of humiliation. Even confident professionals with knowledge and proficiency in their fields can become speechless and anxious in the face of potential humiliation. This tightness in the chest and loss of ability to speak is common when dealing with people who can humiliate. It becomes more challenging when the wrongdoers are close to us, such as family members. Confronting family about their wrongdoing can be especially difficult due to the potentially devastating impact of their words. Recognizing this, Muslims strive to address wrongdoings in a manner that avoids humiliation and cruelty.