Islam places a strong emphasis on good manners, or “akhlaq,” which are the behaviors and attitudes that reflect our faith and spirituality. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent to perfect noble character, famously saying, “The only reason why I was sent by Allah is to perfect good character.”
Our outer appearance (khalq) should be matched by our inner character (khuluq), and Islam guides us in refining both. Nurturing good manners is essential for maintaining a harmonious relationship with Allah, other people, and ourselves. Developing these qualities is a lifelong journey, requiring continuous effort and reflection.
Good manners towards Allah include belief in Him alone, having trust (tawakkul), sincerity (ikhlas), and love (mahabbah). Maintaining a positive assumption (husn al-dhann) towards Allah, even in difficult times, strengthens our faith. For example, when faced with a challenging situation, trusting that Allah has a plan for us can help us remain patient and hopeful.
How we treat others is a reflection of our character. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified patience, justice, forgiveness, and a clean heart. He emphasized the significance of good character by saying, “The best among you are those whose goodness is hoped for, and [people] are safe from his evil.” This means being patient with others, understanding their perspectives, and showing compassion, even when faced with negativity. For instance, if someone speaks harshly to us, responding with kindness can de-escalate the situation and maintain peace.
Having good manners also means having personal integrity and striving for excellence in everything we do. When you undertake something, do it well and to the best of your ability. This inner discipline ensures that our actions align with our values and beliefs.
Good manners are a reflection of our faith and devotion to Allah. They manifest in our interactions with others, ensuring we treat everyone with respect, kindness, and patience. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The heaviest thing on the Day of Judgment on your scale will be your good manners. We have to learn about good manners, their blessings, and the dangers of lacking them. Understanding their importance motivates us to embody them.
Reading about the Prophet’s life and his interactions with others can provide practical examples to follow. Look up to those who exhibit exemplary character, starting with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and extending to contemporary figures who inspire us. Surround yourself with people who display good manners, as their behavior can influence and inspire you. Continuously pray for better character. The Prophet ﷺ taught us to say, “O Allah, just as You beautified my appearance, beautify my manners.” This reminds us to seek Allah’s help in our journey to improve our character.
Nurturing good manners is a holistic approach that enhances our relationship with Allah, improves our interactions with others, and cultivates personal excellence. It requires continuous effort, reflection, and supplication.
In our daily lives, whether it’s being patient with a difficult coworker, showing kindness to a stranger, or being honest in our dealings, good manners can make a significant difference. Let’s strive to be the best versions of ourselves, reflecting the beautiful teachings of Islam in our actions and interactions every day.
By Sh. Hassan Natour