LEGALISTIC OR PSYCHOLOGICAL LANGUAGE
Make or Mar the Message
THERE are two ways of trying to offer advice to others. One way is to do so in a legalistic language. The other way is to do this using the ‘language of the psyche’.
The former approach seeks to explain things in the form of do’s and don’ts. It is the language of commandments: ‘Do this!’ or ‘Don’t do that!’ This sort of language is useful for people who are already prepared and ready to act in accordance with the advice they are given. But for people who are not ready for this, the language of do’s and don’ts is not appropriate. Instead, the appropriate language for such people is what can be called ‘the language of the psyche’.
What is the ‘language of the psyche’? It is the very same language that is referred to in the Quran when it says “speak to them in such terms as will address their minds” (4: 63). That is to say, to convey one’s message in such a manner that it addresses the mind of one’s addressee, so that by hearing it one discovers the importance of what is being said and considers it worthy of reflection and deeper thought.
The language of do’s and don’ts is effective only with people who already agree with you. In contrast, the ‘language of the psyche’ is effective with and useful for everyone. If you speak this language, someone who already agrees with what you are saying will be further convinced of its veracity. And someone who does not as yet agree with what you are saying will at least reflect on it, and it is possible that he will soon accept it in his heart.
To convey one’s message in such a manner that it addresses the mind of one’s addressee, so that by hearing it one discovers the importance of what is being said and considers it worthy of reflection and deeper thought.
The language of do’s and don’ts is appropriate when discussing legalistic rules, but in the field of calling people to God only that sort of language is useful that is expressed in a psychologically-appropriate manner, one that addresses people’s minds, and that touches their hearts, convincing them of the truth of what is being conveyed to them.