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Chapter 9.1. Breaking Unpleasant News
If you have to break the undesired news of a tragic accident, or the death of a dear or close relative or friend, break the news in such a way as to lessen its impact and to make it as mild and gentle as possible. For example, in the case of a death, you may say: 'recently, I learned that Mrs. X has been terribly sick, and her condition worsened. Today, I heard she has passed away. May the mercy of Allah be with her.'
Start by giving the name of the person in question. Do not break the news of a death by saying, 'do you know who died today?' this unduly manner frightens the listeners and prompts them to expect the worst, namely that the death involves someone who is very close to them. Instead, mention the name of the dead person before breaking the tragic news of the death. This will soften the impact of the news, reducing the listener's apprehension, and making the news more bearable.
Convey the news of fire, drowning, or car accident, etc. In a similar fashion. Prepare the listener for the news in a way that minimizes its impact. Mention the name(s) of the affected person(s) in a kind way, not a shocking way. Some people have weak hearts and such bad news may cause them to faint and collapse.
If it is necessary to convey such news, choose the appropriate time. It should not take place at a meal, before going to sleep, or during an illness. Compassion and tactfulness are the best qualities you will need to handle such a situation.
Chapters
Chapter 1
Importance Of Appearance
Chapter 1.1
Distinct Muslim Personality
Chapter 1.2
Cleanliness And Washing
Chapter 1.3
Arriving From A Journey
Chapter 1.4
Dress Properly With Family And Friends
Chapter 2
Entering Or Leaving A House
Chapter 2.1
How-to-enter
Chapter 2.2
Entering While Others Are Asleep
Chapter 2.3
Greeting
Chapter 2.4
Announcing Your Presence
Chapter 2.5
Seeking Permission To Enter
Chapter 2.6
Knocking And Ringing
Chapter 2.7
Answering 'Who Is It?'
Chapter 3
The Manners Of Visiting
Chapter 3.1
Keeping Appointments, Delays And Cancellation
Chapter 3.2
Declining A Visit
Chapter 3.3
Control Your Eyes
Chapter 3.4
Removing Your Shoes
Chapter 3.5
Choosing A Seat
Chapter 3.6
A Visitor Is Not An Inspector
Chapter 3.7
Timing Your Visit
Chapter 3.8
Greeting
Chapter 3.9
Sitting Between Two Persons
Chapter 3.10
The Host's Duties And The Guests' Rights
Chapter 3.11
Stay In Touch
Chapter 3.12
A Brief Advice To My Sisters
Chapter 4
The Manners Of Conversation
Chapter 4.1
Selecting Suitable Topics
Chapter 4.2
Talk In A Suitable Tone
Chapter 4.3
The Art Of Listening
Chapter 4.4
Discussions And Debates
Chapter 4.5
Swearing By Allah
Chapter 4.6
Answering A Question
Chapter 5
Social Manners
Chapter 5.1
Respect And Favour The Elderly
Chapter 5.2
The Elderly Are To Lead Prayers
Chapter 5.3
Walking With The Elderly
Chapter 5.4
The Elderly Are To Be Served First
Chapter 5.5
Manners With Parents
Chapter 5.6
Tell Your Family Your Whereabouts
Chapter 5.7
Respect The Poor
Chapter 5.8
Dealing With Non-muslims
Chapter 6
Manners Of Eating
Chapter 6.1
The Importance Of Eating Manners
Chapter 6.2
Manners Of Eating
Chapter 6.3
Manners Of Drinking
Chapter 6.4
Avoid Gluttony
Chapter 6.5
Gold And Silver Cutlery
Chapter 7
Weddings
Chapter 7.1
Weddings Are Part Of The Prophet's Tradition
Chapter 7.2
The Manners Of Attending Weddings
Chapter 8
Visiting The Sick
Chapter 8.1
Visiting A Patient
Chapter 8.2
Praying For The Sick
Chapter 8.3
The Length Of The Visit
Chapter 8.4
The Manners Of Visiting A Patient
Chapter 8.5
How The Ill Express Their Complaints
Chapter 9
Condolence
Chapter 9.1
Breaking Unpleasant News
Chapter 9.2
Expressing Condolences Is A Courtesy And A Duty
Chapter 9.3
Expressing Condolences And Sympathy
Chapter 9.4
Sending Flowers And Reading Quran During Funerals
Chapter 9.5
A Final Word