Manners originate or stem from ideology. Ideology is having a believe about the Creator (Yes or No), life in this world (Test or Enjoyment), the life after this life; which is often known as Life Hereafter (Yes or No) and the relationship of both life in this world and the life Hereafter (Yes or No).
If a person answers the above mentioned questions positively and believe on the existence of a Creator, then unanimously he would come to a conclusion that there has to be a life after this life where all of our actions shall be rewarded or punished.
We would observe such person would take guidance from the Creator (Allah) and there are less chances that he shall be strayed or drifted in terms of manners. Such a person would practice and exhibit good manners like Justice, Tolerance, Patience and Perseverance, Selflessness, Compassion, truthfulness, Generosity, humbleness and likewise.
Islam answers all of these questions in affirmative and encourages all these practices and as a neutral person I found it to be the Best religion or Ideology to be practicing “Good Manners”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “There is nothing weightier on the Scale (of deeds of a servant) than good manners.” (Recorded by Ahmad and Abu Dawud)
Contrary to that if a person denies all these question and come up to the conclusion that the life of this world is the only life and I have to gain and lose in this world then we would such a person would always run after this life and we would see traits and characteristics like Unjust behavior, Selfishness, Envy, Deception, Fraud, Thievery, Showing off, Pride, Delusion and likewise.
Islam answers all of these questions in affirmative and discourages all these practices and as a neutral person I found it to be the Best religion or Ideology not to be practicing “Bad Manners”
Allah (SWT) said: “Deal not unjustly and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.” (Al Baqarah 2:279)
Examples of Good Manners
It is incumbent upon every Muslim; male or female to practice good manners which are mentioned in Quran (Book of Allah) and Sunnah (Action performed by Prophet Muhammad PBUH). Some of the good manners are as below.
- Justice
When we answer the above mentioned questions regarding believing in the Creator of the universe, those who say yes, do justice to themselves and those who deny, do injustice to themselves.
Next is to do justice with the creation of the Creator which includes human, animals and even nonliving things. Islam even briefs the rights of plants and animals and say that they should not be violated.
`Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him and his father) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “A faithful believer remains at liberty regarding his religion unless he kills somebody unlawfully.” (Recorded by Al-Bukhari)
- Patience and Perseverance
It is to refrain oneself from things which are not allowed by the Creator and also to bear patience on the trials and tribulations been faced from disbelievers for the sake of Creator (Allah).
Allah (SWT) said: “O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allah, so that you may be successful.” (Aal Imran 3:200)
- Truthfulness
A Muslim is ordained and prescribed to always speak truth. A true Muslims always love speaking truth and he thrives on it because he knows it would lead him towards righteousness and righteousness would pen ultimately lead him towards Heaven.
Allah (SWT) said: “O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds).” (At Taubah 9:119)
Examples of Bad Manners
Every Muslim is been asked to refrain from bad habits in the Quran and Sunnah. Some of the bad manners are as below.
- Envy
Islam preaches the teachings of love and affection and getting happy for those who are blessed by something good by Allah. Islam demands selfless attitude from us. However Envy is the opposite of it. Envy is something far beyond jealousy.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Do not hate one another, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert each other, and O, Allah’s worshipers! Be brothers. Lo! It is not permissible for any Muslim to desert (not talk to) his brother (Muslim) for more than three days.” (Recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
- Pride
A Muslim is being told to always remain humble and generous. Islam prohibits humans to feel proud of themselves. It teaches us to seek forgiveness from Allah and never to feel proud of acts we do because whatever we do is for the sake of Allah not for ourselves.
Allah (SWT) said: “And you were deceived by false desires, till the Command of Allah came to pass. And the chief deceiver (Satan) deceived you in respect of Allah.” (Al Hadid 57:14)
- Showing Off
Muslim perform good deeds for the sake of Allah not show off people. And showing off is extremely disliked in Islam.
Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “If anyone wants to have his deeds widely publicized, Allah (SWT) will publicize (his humiliation). And if anyone makes a hypocritical display (of his deeds) Allah will make a display of him.”
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