Seerat Shahina
Good Manners & Islam.
The issue of good manners is very important In Islam since it is the basis of one’s success in the community and the world. Manners or Etiquette is the set of conventional rules of personal behaviour in polite society, in the form of good principles and moral values based on the ethical codes that determines the accepted social behaviour in a group or society. The foundational source in the gradual codification of Islamic ethics was the Muslim understanding and interpretations of the Qur'an and practices of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Its meaning has always been in context of submission to Almighty Allah and following Islam as demonstrated in the Qur'an.
Human nature desires a society based on morals and manners which provides a stable and secure life leading to liberty and happiness. There are people of different ages, businesses, classes, and thinking, but to live together, harmony and good interactions are important. In the initial stage people start conversation with greetings and the best greeting ever is the Salam (‘Salam’ is an Arabic a word which means ‘peace’). People generally say “As-Salamu Alikum, “which means “Peace be upon you”. The other should respond with “Wa-Alaikum as Salaam”. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The best of the two persons is the one who begins with ‘Salam’ (Nawawi)”. He also said, “The person closest to Allah is the one who proceeds others with greetings.” (Abu Dawud).
The first social skills a little child is taught are more often, how to greet, saying please and thank you. Having good manners transcends a lot more than just a few words, but it is a strong foundation for those who wish to build good character as they grow older. Whatever imprints we have in our minds as children will be seen through to adulthood. Good manners are basis of success in daily life through which one can make a distinctive place in the society. Dealing others with good manners means to put them at ease providing comfortable atmosphere for communication.
Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had a character as a model for all humanity to follow. Prophet Muhammad is a good example in everything, primarily in calling people to Islam, worshipping, prayers, family life and relations with people. There is no one in good manner than our Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character”
(Quran, 68:4).
Manners and sense of morality can prevent us from falling into sins. Good manners encompass a wide range of social etiquette, from speaking to groups in public; to avoiding backbiting (Quran 49:12), speaking pleasantly of others but to avoid excessive flattery. When speaking in public or addressing a group of people, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) reminded to not whisper, while leaving out another person.
“If they are three, two of them should not carry on a conversation from which the third is excluded, for surely that will be distressing to him.”
(Al-Bukhari, Abu Dawud, Muslim &
Ibn Majah)
Islam presents a comprehensive way of life. It signifies some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be observed in all circumstances. Islam has provided a very effective moral system. Morality is considered as one of its cornerstones. By implementing good manners, we are actually reinforcing our faith. The Glorious Quran provides moral values and manners one can learn and implement in daily life, For example:
“Be kind, honorable and humble to one's parents: and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small." (17:23-24)
“Be neither miserly nor wasteful in one's expenditure: And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveller, and do not spend wastefully. (17:26)
“Be honest and fair in one's interactions: Give full measure and cause no loss to others” And weigh with the true and straight balance.” (17:35,26: 181, 182)
“Restrain your anger, and pardon (all) men; - for Allah loves those who do good”. (3:134)
“Care for orphaned children, and do not approach the property of an orphan” (17:34)
“Do not be arrogant in one’s claims or beliefs and do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge (17:36),” Donot deceive people in trade (6:152),
“Fear Allah and Be with those who are true.” (9:119), “Keep your oaths” (5:89)
Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) when started preaching Islam, he presented his personal qualities and attributes of honesty and truthfulness as a base for acceptance of his call. Allah Almighty made him (Pbuh) the best and perfect example for the people and sent him for the purpose of perfecting good morals.
Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said about good manners in one of His hadith in these words:
“Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s good manners” (Bukhari).
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said that:
“The most beloved of Allah’s servants to Allah are those with the best manners.”
(Al-Bukhari)
Every person can achieve great success in his/her life by dealing people with noble and praiseworthy manner. Furthermore, it is not only Allah’s love that we can gain but also the care and respect in society.