One who does not go along with the criteria of the good manners cannot attain the gratification of Allah (SWT). Good manners or courtesy occupies the central place among all virtuous deeds in Islam. A real pious person cannot be unkind or grouchy and, likewise, a quarrelsome fellow cannot be a pious person. According to Islamic teachings, courtesy falls under two distinct heads: good manners towards Allah (SWT) and good manners towards people.
Good manners towards people have various categories and the most essential one is the good manners towards parents. In this reading, let us know the importance of the good manners towards people. The following Hadith from Saheeh Bukhari clearly explains the significance of courtesy in Islam.
“The best among you are those who have the best manners.”
Why Islam Emphasize On Courtesy or Politeness
Islam is actually based on love and affection. Allah (SWT) created this whole universe founded on love. He teaches us also to love and care each other. Courtesy is actually the source of all other good deeds. The basic components of Islam are elegance, purity and courtesy. One who harms others with his acts or uttering, by no means can please Allah (SWT) no matter how good he is in Ibadaat. In contrary, those who create ease for others are belove slaves of Allah (SWT).
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Courtesy in Islam
There are no measures to know how much Allah (SWT) shows consideration for courtesy or good manners. Let us have some key notes in this regard:
- Courtesy in greetings
Allah (SWT) said in Holy Quran Surah 4 Aya 86:
“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant.”
This verse of Holy Quran makes us quite clear on what Allah (SWT) wants from us in dealing with one another. If we understand the veiled meanings of this commandment of our Creator, we may know the essence of our religion.
The most valued deed
We all know that on the Day of Judgment all our good and bad deeds will be weighed in a scale and the result will decide our everlasting destiny. Our success in the life Hereafter depends on being heavier the side of good deeds. Our beloved Holy Prophet (SAWW) said that in this scale the heaviest thing will be the good manners. It is narrated in Saheeh Bukhari as:
“Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s good manners.”
Allah hates foul language
A saying of our beloved Holy Prophet is narrated in Tirmidhi as:
“Allah hates one who utters foul language.”
Good manners require us to be polite and soft while talking to others. For a true believer, there should be nothing more disliked than what Allah (SWT) dislikes in him.
Courtesy by our Beloved Holy Prophet (SAWW)
Allah (SWT) said in Sura Qalam Aya 4:
{وإِنَّكَ لَعَلَى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ}
“Verily, your manners are distinguished and great.”
Our beloved Holy Prophet (SAWW) is the best role model for us. According to Hazrat Ayesha R.A our Prophet (SAWW) showed all good manners that are stated in the Holy Quran. His life is the best guidance and inspiration for us in all walks of life as Allah (SWT) stated in Holy Quran (Sura Ahzab: 21):
“You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct)”.
Holy Quran Teaches Us to Keep Watch on Our Words
Most of the sins are commit by our tongue. Let us revive our faith by having strict watch on ourselves to see whether our manners are up to the commands of Allah (SWT). For the appropriate use of tongue, Allah (SWT) directs us to avoid following sins:
- Don’t lie. Allah says in Surah Hajj Aya 30 “shun every word that is untrue.”
- Don’t backbite. It is stat in Surah Al-Hujuraat Aya 12 “do not spy upon one another, and neither allow yourselves to speak ill of one another behind your backs.”
- Don’t spread gossips. In Surah Al-Nour Aya 15, Allah (SWT) said “when you take it up with your tongues, uttering with your mouths something of which you have no knowledge, and deeming it a light matter whereas in the sight of God it is an awful thing!”
- Avoid ill speech. In Surah Al Mouminoon while describing qualities of true believers, it is stated that, “and who turn away from all that is frivolous.”
- Don’t ask others to do virtuous deeds while you ignore yourself to do. It is stated in Sura Al Baqara Aya 44, “Do you bid other people to be pious, the while you forget your own selves -and yet you recite the divine writ?”
- Talk nicely. It is state in Surah Luqman Aya 19, “Hence, be modest in thy bearing, and lower thy voice”
- Don’t accuse others without proof. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al Nour Aya 4 “And as for those who accuse chaste women [of adultery], and then are unable to produce four witnesses [in support of their accusation], flog them with eighty stripes”
- Don’t call others with inappropriate titles. It is stated in Surah Hujuraat Aya 11, “And neither shall you defame one another, nor insult one another by [opprobrious] epithets.”
We ask Allah (SWT) to direct us to the right path and to make us adopt the great manners stated in the Holy Quran and practiced by our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
Author Bio
Muhammad Junaid is a senior Analyst and Search Engine Expert. Extensive experience being a lead writer in Online Madrasa. Work for years with local and international enterprises. Also, represent well-known brands in the UAE.