"The most beloved of Allah’s servants to Allah are those with the best manners."
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
How to Behave as a Muslim
As Muslims, we are blessed with the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the ultimate example of good character and behavior. Allah describes him in the Qur'an, saying, "And indeed, you are of a great moral character" (Surah Al-Qalam: 4). He was known for his honesty, kindness, humility, and compassion in all his interactions, whether with family, friends, strangers, or even adversaries.
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Guidance from the Qur'an and Hadith
Islam provides comprehensive guidance on how to behave in all aspects of life. The Qur'an and Hadith emphasise values such as patience, forgiveness, justice, and humility. Here are some key principles:
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Kindness and Gentleness: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Kindness is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty, and it is not withdrawn from anything but that it makes it defective" (Sahih Muslim).
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Honesty: He (peace be upon him) said, "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
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Justice: Allah commands, "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice" (Surah An-Nisa: 58).
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Enhancing Character Through Dua and Knowledge
Seeking Allah's help in perfecting our character is essential. One of the duas frequently recited by the Prophet (peace be upon him) was:
"O Allah, guide me to the best of manners, for none can guide to the best of them but You. And turn me away from evil manners, for none can turn away from them but You." (Sunan an-Nasa'i)
Additionally, reading books such as "Interactions Of The Greatest Leader" and studying collections like the 40 Hadiths on Good Manners can help deepen our understanding and commitment to good behavior as exemplified by our Prophet (peace be upon him).
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Practical Steps for Moral Development
Here are some actionable steps to embody Islamic morals:
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Regularly reflect on the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by reading Seerah (the prophets biography) Books and strive to emulate his qualities.
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Engage in daily self-assessment to identify areas for improvement in character.
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Maintain consistent recitation of the Qur'an and Hadith to internalize their teachings.
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Surround yourself with individuals who encourage and inspire good behavior.
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Make dua to Allah for continuous guidance and strength to uphold good morals and manners.
May Allah guide us all to perfect our character and behavior as Muslims. Let us remember the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "The best of you are those who have the best manners and character" (Sahih al-Bukhari).
The 75 Good Manners (Commandments) in The Quran
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Don’t lie (22:30)
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Don’t spy (49:12)
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Don’t exult (28:76)
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Don’t insult (49:11)
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Don’t waste (17:26)
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Feed the poor (22:36)
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Don’t backbite (49:12)
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Keep your oaths (5:89)
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Don’t take bribes (27:36)
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Honour your treaties (9:4)
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Restrain your anger (3:134)
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Don’t spread gossip (24:15)
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Think good of others (24:12)
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Be good to guests (51:24-27)
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Don’t harm believers (33:58)
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Don’t be rude to parents (17:23)
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Turn away from ill speech (23:3)
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Don’t make fun of others (49:11)
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Walk in a humble manner (25:63)
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Respond to evil with good (41:34)
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Don’t say what you don’t do (62:2)
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Keep your trusts & promises (23:8)
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Don’t insult others’ false gods (6:108)
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Don’t deceive people in trade (6:152)
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Don’t take items without right (3:162)
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Don’t ask unnecessary questions (5:101)
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Don’t be miserly nor extravagant (25:67)
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Don’t call others with bad names (49:11)
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Don’t claim yourselves to be pure (53:32)
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Speak nicely, even to the ignorant (25:63)
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Don’t ask for repayment for favours (76:9)
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Make room for others at gatherings (58:11)
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If enemy wants peace, then accept it (8:61)
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Return a greeting in a better manner (4:86)
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Don’t remind others of your favours (2:264)
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Make peace between fighting groups (49:9)
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Lower your voice and talk moderately (31:19)
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Don’t let hatred cause you to be unjust (6:108)
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Don’t ask too many favours from people (2:273)
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Greet people when entering their home (24:27)
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Be just, even against yourself & relatives (4:135)
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Speak gently, even to leaders of disbelief (20:44)
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Don’t criticize small contributions of others (9:79)
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Don’t call the Prophet how you call others’ (24:63)
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Try to make peace between husband & wife (4:128)
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Don’t call the Prophet from outside his rooms (49:4)
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Oppression/corruption is worse than killing (2:217)
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Preach to others in a good and wise manner (16:125)
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Don’t accuse others of immorality without proof (24:4)
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Consider wives of the Prophet like your mothers (33:6)
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Don’t raise your voice above that of the Prophet’s (49:2)
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Don’t call someone a disbeliever without knowing (4:94)
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Seek permission before entering someone’s room (24:59)
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Know your enemies can become your close friends (41:34)
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Don’t wrongly consume the wealth of the vulnerable (4:29)
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Don’t turn your cheek away from people in arrogance (31:18)
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Forgive others, as you would like Allah to forgive you (24:22)
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Seek Prophet’s permission when leaving his gathering (24:62)
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Don’t hold secret meetings for sin, rather do so for piety (58:9)
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Don’t order others to do good while forgetting it yourself (2:44)
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Be patient with your teacher & follow his instructions (18:67-69)
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Don’t frown, turn away or neglect those who come to you (80:10)
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If unable to help a needy person, at least speak nice words (17:28)
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Be lenient to those under you, and consult them in matters (3:159)
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Verify information from a dubious source before acting upon it (49:6)
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Don’t remain in the Prophet’s home unnecessarily after a meal (33:53)
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Those who can should continue to spend on those less fortunate (24:22)
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Don’t enter homes without permission & return if refused entry (24:27-28)
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Don’t sit with those who mock religion until they change the subject (4:140)
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Say it’s not appropriate to talk of slander when it’s mentioned to you (24:16)
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If required to ask the Prophet’s wives, then do so from behind a screen (33:53)
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Divorce in an amicable manner instead of keeping & harming your wife (2:231)
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Punish in an equivalent manner to how you were harmed or be patient (16:126)
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Differences in color & language are signs of Allah, not means of superiority (49:13)
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Don’t take women by force, nor take back bridal gift without a valid reason & live with them in kindness (4:19)