by Dr. Ali Shehata
A Sample of the Guidance of the Prophet on Manners
Many of the hadith recorded below are also mentioned in the chapter on the Sunnah of the Prophet. Muslims and non-Muslims are further encouraged to explore more from the Quran and the Sunnah to learn how to become better people and better worshippers. Undoubtedly, Allah cares not for our worship, if that worship is accompanied by a lack of kindness and concern for the people, animals and environment around us.
On the Excellence of Good Manners
1. Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah said, "The believers who show the most perfect Faith are those who have the best manners, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives". [Tirmidhi]
2. Abu-Darda’ reported: The Prophet said, "Nothing will be heavier in the Scales of the believer on the Day of Resurrection than their good manners. Allah hates one who uses foul or coarse language.'' [Tirmidhi]
On Being Content with what you Have
3. Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah said, "Look at those who are inferior to you and do not look at those who are superior to you, for this will keep you from belittling Allah's Favors to you.'' [Bukhari and Muslim]
On the Best Kind of Food
4. Abu Hurairah reported: The Prophet said, "No food is better to a man than that which he earns through his own manual labor. David, the Prophet of Allah, ate only out of the efforts of his manual labor.'' [Bukhari]
On the Some of the Best Deeds in Islam
5. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin al-`Aas reported: A man asked the Messenger of Allah, "Which act in Islam is the best?'' He replied, "To feed the poor and the needy, and to give greetings to those whom you know and those whom you do not know.'' [Bukhari and Muslim]
On Charity, Honor and High Status
6. Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah said, "Wealth is never diminished by the giving of charity. Allah increases the honor of one who forgives others, and the one who displays humbleness towards other people thereby seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah exalts him in status.'' [Muslim]
On the True Meaning of Arrogance
7. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud reported: The Prophet said, "He who possesses in his heart the smallest degree of arrogance will not enter Paradise.'' Someone said, "A man likes to wear beautiful clothes and shoes?'' The Messenger of Allah replied by saying, "Allah is Beautiful and He loves beauty. Arrogance is to ridicule or reject the Truth, and to look down upon people.'' [Muslim]
On the Command to Make Matters Easy for People
8. Anas reported: The Prophet said, "Make things easy and do not make them difficult. Cheer people up by conveying glad tidings to them, and do not push them away (with negativity).'' [Bukhari and Muslim]
On the Excellence of Modesty
9. `Imran bin Husain reported: the Messenger of Allah said, "Modesty does not bring anything except good.'' [Bukhari and Muslim]
On Kindness in Business Dealings and in Regards to Loans
10. Jabir reported: The Messenger of Allah said, "May Allah’s Mercy be upon a man who adopts a kind and easy attitude when he sells and buys, and when he demands repayment of loans that he gave out.'' [Bukhari]
11. Abu Mas`ud al-Badri reported: The Messenger of Allah said, “A person from amongst the people who lived before you was called to account by Allah on the Day of Resurrection. No exceptional good deeds were found in his credit except that he, being a rich man, had financial dealings with people and had commanded his servants to show leniency to those who were having difficulty repaying their loans. Upon this, Allah the Exalted and Majestic said, ‘I am more entitled to this characteristic (of leniency), so waive this man’s sins.’” [Muslim]
On the Excellence of the Attitude of the Believer
12. On the authority of Suhayb who narrates: The Messenger of Allah said: “How wonderful is the attitude of the believer, for his attitude is always good, and this applies to no one except the believer. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks and that is good for him. And if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him.” [Muslim]
On Kindness to Widows and the Poor
13. Abu Hurairah reported: The Prophet said, “One who strives to help the widows and the poor is like the one who fights in the way of Allah.” The narrator said, “I think that he added also, ‘I shall regard him as the one who stands up (for prayer) without rest, and as the one who observes fasts continuously.’” [Bukhari and Muslim]
On Kindness to the Neighbor and Hospitality
14. Abu Shuraih Al-Khuza`i reported: The Prophet said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be kind to his neighbor. And he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him show hospitality to his guest. And he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him either speak good or remain silent.” [Muslim]
On the Relationship between Faith and Brotherhood
15. Anas ibn Malik reports that the Prophet said, “No one amongst you truly believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.” [Muslim]
On Concealing the Faults of Others
16. Abu Hurairah reported: The Prophet said, “Allah will cover up on the Day of Resurrection the defects (faults) of the one who covers up the faults of the others in this world.” [Muslim]
So it is hoped that Muslims will humbly turn back in repentance to Allah and strive hard against the temptations of Satan, so that they will truly become the ambassadors that this noble religion deserves. And that they may also be the examples of mercy, charitableness, tolerance and general righteousness that this religion has undoubtedly produced throughout every century, calling all peoples towards the success and light that the worship of Allah alone brings—amen.
And further, for those who have not yet accepted Islam, it is hoped that they will reflect deeply upon the evidences and arguments presented in this book, remembering that this life is certainly a gift and an opportunity that should not be wasted. How can you meet your Lord, after your time has expired in this life, having spent your whole life pursuing your own desires and not bowing yourself down to worship Him, except on your own terms? Act before it’s too late, or you will have the rest of eternity to regret your inaction.
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