Manners are a way of doing something, a way of behaving, etiquette, or it could be a person’s outward way of behaving toward others. The issue of good manners is very important in Islam; it is the basis of one’s success in daily life, through which someone can make a distinctive place in the Islamic community.  Alla says:

مَّن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً حَسَنَةً يَكُن لَّهُ نَصِيبٌ مِّنْهَا وَمَن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً سَيِّئَةً يَكُن لَّهُ كِفْلٌ مِّنْهَا وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّقِيتًا

“Whoever intercedes – an intercession good, will have for him a share of it; and whoever intercedes – an intercession evil, will have for him a portion of it. And Allah (is) on everything a Keeper.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:85)

Good manners are not just an important part of our religion, Islam, but also make our social life more pleasant. Conducting good manners is not easy because it takes time. Stop a moment and realise that your manners are one of the main reasons for Allah to enter you into His Gardens of Paradise. Alla says

وَعِبَادُ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَىٰ ٱلأَرْضِ هَوْناً وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ الجَاهِلُونَ قَالُواْ سَلاَماً

“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:63)

A Muslim thinks about Allah’s Knowledge and the fact that He is watching everything, under every circumstance.  Forbidding evil includes repressing anger, forgiving others’ mistakes and reacting to evil deeds with favour and good deeds. A positive thought is contagious; it makes people around you feel the positive vibes.

Below are the attitudes that a believer should possess as the slave of Allah:

1. Muslim communities uphold their good morals of justice
2. Muslims should be treated with great respect and manners
3. Muslims should show kindness and obedience to their parents
4. Muslims should learn and teach Islamic knowledge
5. Muslims should remove the obstacle from the way
6. Muslims should avoid every bad conversation
7. Muslims should always respect elderly people
8. Manners mean to believe in what Allah says
9. Manners take on importance in religion 
10. Manners consist of spreading peace
11. Manners wants to achieve success
12. Don’t ask unnecessary questions
13. Don’t call others bad names
14. Don’t be miserly or extravagant
15. Don’t take items without the right
16. Don’t claim yourselves to be pure
17. Good manners have a sense of morality
18. Good manners show love and compassion 
19. Good manners indicate the upright human soul 
20. Good manners become a cause for the good of society

Good manners encompass a wide range of social etiquette, from speaking to groups in public to avoiding backbiting or fault-finding, to speaking pleasantly of others but avoiding excessive flattery. Having good manners is very important for all believers. Having good manners is very important for all believers.  Alla says

قَدْ أَفْلَحَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ * ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلاَتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ * وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ عَنِ ٱللَّغْوِ مُّعْرِضُونَ

“The believers must (eventually) win through, those who humble themselves in their prayers, who avoid vain talk.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:1-3)

Good manners consist of spreading words of peace, reviving broken relationships between people, involving praying for other Muslim brothers and sisters, advising and calling each other to do good and to stop what is evil. Good manners are about respecting parents, elders, neighbours and showing love and compassion to the young ones.

Allah Almighty says in The Holy Quran:

• “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Quran, 68:4)
• “Don’t enter homes without permission & return if refused entry.”(Quran, 24:27-28)
• “Don’t sit with those who mock religion until they change the subject.” (Quran, 4:140)
• ” … and speak well to people(i.e. enjoins righteousness and forbid evil…” (Al-Baqara:83)
• ” And verily, you(Muhammad) are on an exalted(standard) of good character.”Al-Qalam:4)
• “Differences in colour & language are signs of Allah, not means of superiority.” (Quran, 49:13)
• “O my father, hire him. Indeed, the best one you can hire is strong and trustworthy.” (Quran, 28:26)

The teachings of Islam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and such qualities as humility, sincerity, patience, and charity are strongly encouraged. Additionally, Islam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since Allah is the only judge of human righteousness.  Alla says

ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِينَ

“Call to (the way) of) your Lord with the wisdom and the instruction, the good, and discuss with them in that which (is) best. Indeed, your Lord, He (is) most knowing of who has strayed from His way, And He (is) most knowing of the guided ones.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:125)

Islam also teaches that faith and action go hand-in-hand. God has given people free will, and the measure of one’s faith is one’s deeds and actions. Islam can never be separated from social, political, or economic life since religion provides moral guidance for every action that a person takes. The primary act of faith is to strive to implement God’s will in both private and public life.  Alla says

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

“Hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous, who spend during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people; and Allah loves the doers of good.” (Surah Ali Imran 3:134)

Good manner is the key to modesty and humility. Modesty in Islam means purity of intention. Good manners bridge differences, maintain a good relationship, and more. Conducting good manners is difficult because people do not change easily in one night. However, you can start it with a simple “thank you” or “please” to other people. Good manners are also a stepping stone closer to Allah. May Allah Almighty give us the strength to improve our manners and try to imitate them! Ameen