Given the challenges and uncertainties of the times we live in, it is more important than ever to practice kindness and good manners, as they help foster understanding, peace, and unity in an increasingly divided world.
In Islam, kindness and good manners are considered fundamental aspects of a righteous life. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of treating others with respect, compassion, and empathy. Acts of kindness, whether through words or actions, are seen as a means of drawing closer to God and fostering peace within communities. The Quran also encourages good character, reminding believers to be gentle, forgiving, and generous. By embodying kindness and practicing good manners, Muslims not only strengthen their relationships with others but also fulfill the moral and spiritual values that are central to their faith.
Muhammad (pbuh) sayings (Hadith):
- “The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.”
- “God will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.”
- “Do not consider any act of kindness insignificant, even meeting your brother with a smile.”
- “He who is unkind to the young and disrespectful to the old is not one of us.”
- “You have two characters which God likes; gentleness and deliberation.”
- “Assist any person oppressed, whether Muslim or non-Muslim”.
- “The strong-man is not one who wrestles well but the strong man is one who controls himself when he is in a fit of rage.”
- “Anybody who believes in God and the Last Day should not harm his neighbour, and anybody who believes in God and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anybody who believes in God and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet.
- “No one is a true believer unless he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself”.
- “When the funeral procession of someone passes by you, wether Jews, Christian or Muslim, rise to your feet”.
- “Actions will be judged according to intentions”
- “He who is deprived of gentleness is deprived of good.”
- “Modesty and Chastity is part of the faith”.
- “Righteousness is good character, and sin is that which revolves in your heart and which you do not want people to know.”
- “The person is nearest to God, who pardons… him who would have injured him”.
- “The proof of a Muslim’s sincerity is that he pays no attention to that which is not his business”.
Below are some Qur’anic verses regarding the same topic:
- “Be Kind, as God has been kind to you”. Qur’an 28:77
- “O you who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the latter are better than the former: Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the latter are better than the former: Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by offensive nicknames: ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, to be used of one after he has believed: And those who do not desist are indeed doing wrong.” Qur’an 49:11
- “Do not walk on the earth with insolence: for you can not rend the earth asunder, nor you reach the mountains in height.” Qur’an 17:37
- “When a courteous greeting is offered to you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or at least of equal courtesy. God takes careful account of all things.” Qur’an 4:86
- “Those who spend freely, whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon all men; for God loves those who do good”. Qur’an, 3:134
- “Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant”. Qur’an 7:199
- “And not alike are the good and the evil. Repel (evil) with what is best, when lo! he between whom and you was enmity would be as if he were a warm friend!” Qur’an 41:34
- “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect (not even Phew!), nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor and lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.” Qur’an 17:23-24