Islamic Manners

Islam always emphasizes on building a dignified and strong character. It preaches respect and a pleasant behavior towards others in the most detailed manner with examples of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions to guide us. Good manners in Islam symbolize and assure a dignified character.

In most societies, people might associate sophistication with wearing expensive clothes and jewelry, living a lavish life style or traveling first class, but sophistication in Islam has nothing to do with money or the worldly possessions, it is just about the manners you carry in your character.

There is a long list of Islamic manners that signify good character and personality of a Muslim. Even if someone is a non-Muslim knowing these manners would be helpful for him if he travels to a Muslim country or sits in the company of Muslims.

The list of Islamic manners is so long and comprehensive that it could not be covered in details in one article, but I will highlight some of them:

The Islamic manners of greeting: Muslims always greet each other by saying “Assalam o alaikum” meaning “peace be upon you” and the reply to this is “Walaikum Assalam” and when asked “how are you” the reply is always “Alhamdulillah” meaning “praise be to Allah”. Greeting is made with a hand shake or an embrace if one is coming from a journey, and you put your hand on your heart after shaking it. As for who should greet first there is a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira,

Allah’s Apostle said, “The younger person should greet the older one, the walking person should greet the sitting one.” Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book 74, No. 252e. 

The Islamic manners of eating and drinking: Muslims always eat with their right hand and do not stand or walk while eating and drinking. Before eating or drinking “Bismillah” has to be recited and afterwards “Alhamdulillah” is said. We should not drink one glass in one gulp, rather in three sips and should eat using three fingers. Golden or silver cutlery should not be used as it is against modesty. One should not talk too much during meals and should let the elders begin their meal first, and no food should be wasted.

The Islamic manners of talking and listening: One should talk in a gentle tone especially with one’s mother and should not initiate or take part in foul discussion. Back biting or making tales about others is a big sin in Islam and it’s an act way below character. One should remain quiet when the call of Azan begins even if he is in the middle of a sentence he should become silent till Azan ends. One should not interrupt while the other is speaking, even if he has heard the story before he should listen intently till the end as good manners.

Some other important manners include; not listening to music or singing songs, saying “Sallal Laho Alaihe Wasalam” whenever the beloved Prophet’s (PBUH) name is said and greatly respecting elders, scholars and teachers. A teacher has the same respect as one’s father in Islam and should be obeyed and revered like a father.

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