Manners of A True Muslim
The way a person acts defines its personality. Manners and etiquettes are considered among the top most characteristics of an individual. Since goodness is a part of human nature, people who are decent and affectionate are generally liked by others, while the inappropriate and indecorous ones are rejected.
The significance of goodness of character is apparent from the fact that Allah Almighty sent down all His Prophets to teach their respective nations about adopting moral and ethical behavior. And being Muslims, we have a belief that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was epitome of excellent conduct, through which He was able to spread the teachings of Islam. The Apostle (PBUH) of Allah said:
“The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.” (Bukhari)
So, it means that the ones who excel in adopting pleasant attitude are better than others, even they are lacking in some other things. And it is obligatory for us Muslims to adopt the Sunnah and disposition of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) being the followers of the religion He has taught us about.
Some of the foremost qualities of a true Muslim are as follows:
Being good to parents
Words like kindness, tenderness and great compassion come into mind when one thinks about parents. They are the reason for our existence, and nourish us in the best possible. A mother`s love and care start from the time when one is not even born: she takes care and bears all pains for its baby. She is also a leading figure in prudence towards its child till it becomes able to watch out for itself. The holy Prophet (PBUH) used to say “Paradise lies under the feet of mother” to show her prominence to us. Father, on the other hand, works hard to earn living for its kids and makes sure their children are provided with every facility of life. One cannot even estimate their affection and cautiousness towards their kids, nor pay them back in full. Islam puts great emphasis on their rights, and everyone is directed to be mindful of this delicate matter.
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” [Quran, 17: 23]
Such is the greatness of parents that Allah, the Exalted, after directing us to worship no one else apart from Him alone, has ordered us to act towards our parents well. Since they become rigid after reaching old age, so we are advised by the Almighty not to say even a single harsh word to them, for they have become weak both mentally and physically, and need our gentleness just like they cared for us when we were feeble and small.
Maintaining good relationships
Our religion has greatly stressed on building and sustaining nice kinship and ties with one`s family members. Although, it is a moral virtue to treat everyone alike, welcoming guests to house, helping the poor and travelers, but there is even greater emphasis on treating relatives and closer friends with more fondness according to the Sunnah of the Messenger (PBUH) of God.
“Whoever would like his rizq (provision) to be increased and his life to be extended, should uphold the ties of kinship.” (Bukhaari)
The greater implication of the above Hadith could be that being the followers of Islam, we should not only be pleasant towards our family members in good times, but also try to make peace when they break off connections with us, as Allah does not like the ones who embrace and spread hate among people.
Respecting elders and being kind to kids
Every society has its needs and demands to be able to move forward, and among many of those necessities, are showing gratitude towards seniors, and showing benevolence to the juniors. Elders are a great source of inspiration, as they have already seen the world closely, and one can learn from their experiences. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) always treated the older ones with great reverence that he even visited the old non believer lady and looked after her, who used to throw garbage on Him. Kids, on the other hand, are signs of witnessing small Angels, who commit mistakes unknowingly, and require our attention to teach them way of conduct. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) showed the savage Arabs to treat their children with love. He even used to carry His grandchildren on His shoulders and His back, and always acted with kindness.
“He who does not show mercy to our young or show esteem for our elders is not one of us.” (Bukhari)
So, a true Muslim should always keep a good balance between behaving towards the young ones and the older ones, for there is emphasis on treating both of them well in any case.
Being truthful and trustworthy
The most prominent personality traits of our beloved Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) were candidness and honesty. That is the reason why He was even praised by His worst enemies for these qualities, and used to keep their belongings with Him as trusts. The Almighty Lord has repeatedly mentioned about these qualities of Mo`mins (staunch devotees) in the Sacred Manuscript of Quran.
“O you, who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.” [Quran, 9: 119]
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.” [Quran, 4: 58]
Allah SWT does not want us to be among the dishonest ones, as we Muslims represent the face of our religion in our daily life, and we cannot persuade the non believers about the candor nature of Islam, unless we ourselves act accordingly in our lives.
Despite having faith in Oneness of Allah, and considering Muhammad (PBUH) as His last Prophet, we cannot call ourselves true Muslims till we embrace and apply the Islamic instructions in our lives through appropriate mannerism.
