Good manners, known as *akhlaq* in Arabic, are at the heart of Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent to perfect noble character, and the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness, honesty, and respect. This article explores the foundations of akhlaq in the Quran and Sunnah, and offers practical ways to embody these virtues in everyday life.
The Quranic Foundation of Good Manners
The Quran lays a comprehensive framework for moral conduct. Allah commands believers to uphold justice, kindness, and humility in all interactions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah defines righteousness not merely by rituals but by faith, charity, keeping promises, and patience:
« It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing. »
Serving Allah and Doing Good to Others
Surah An-Nisaa, verse 36, connects worship of Allah directly with kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, neighbors, and even strangers:
« Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;- » This verse shows that true devotion to Allah is inseparable from good treatment of people.
The Power of Kind Words
Allah also highlights the superiority of gentle speech. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 263, He says:
« Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-Forbearing. » This teaches that even when we give charity, our attitude and words matter more than the act itself.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: The Perfect Example
Allah describes the Prophet ﷺ as the ultimate role model for humanity. In Surah Al-Ahzaab, verse 21, He says:
« Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah. » The Prophet’s life embodied the highest standards of akhlaq, from his dealings with family and neighbors to his interactions with strangers and even enemies.
Good Manners Elevate Spiritual Rank
A hadith narrated by Abu Daoud and Ahmad states that good manners can elevate a believer to the rank of one who constantly fasts and prays:
« ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: « Verily, a believer can attain, by his good manners, the rank of one who fasts and prays often. » » This shows that akhlaq is not just a social nicety but a form of worship.
Rights of the Road: A Lesson in Social Responsibility
The Prophet ﷺ taught that even sitting on pathways comes with responsibilities. In a hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, he said:
« Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: « Beware! Avoid sitting on the roads. » They said: « O Messenger of Allah, we cannot help sitting there, as these are our places where we talk to one another. » He said: « If you insist on sitting there, then give the road its due rights. » They said: « What are its rights? » He said: « Lowering the gaze, refraining from doing harm (to others), returning the greeting, enjoining what is good, and forbidding what is evil. » » This hadith encapsulates the essence of Islamic social ethics: modesty, harm prevention, and active goodness.
Practical Manners in Daily Life
Islamic teachings provide detailed guidance on everyday actions, from eating to greeting. These practices are not mere rituals but opportunities to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude.
Eating Etiquette
The Prophet ﷺ taught specific manners for meals. In a hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, he instructed a young boy:
« ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I was a young boy under the care of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), and my hand used to wander all over the platter (of food). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, « O boy, mention Allah’s name, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is nearer to you. » Since then, I have been eating that way. » Additionally, Muslims are encouraged not to waste food. The Prophet said:
« Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) commanded licking the fingers and the dish (after eating), and he said: « You do not know in which portion the blessing lies. » In another narration, he said: « When a morsel falls from any of you, he should pick it up and remove any dirt that is on it then eat it and not leave it to the devil. He should not wipe his hand with the napkin until he has licked his fingers, for he does not know in which portion of his food the blessing lies. » »
Greeting with Peace
Greeting others with *salam* is a simple yet powerful act of kindness. Allah instructs in Surah An-Nisaa, verse 86:
« When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things. » The companions would actively seek opportunities to greet others, as seen in the practice of ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) who would go to the market solely to greet people.
« At-Tufayl ibn Ubay ibn Ka‘b reported that he used to visit Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) in the morning and accompany him to the market. Abdullāh would offer greetings of peace to every one he met on the way, be they sellers of petty goods, store owners, or poor people. At-Tufayl said: « One day when I went to Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar, he asked me to accompany him to the market. I said to him: « What do you do in the market if you do not sell, nor ask about merchandise, nor offer a price for them, nor you sit in the market gatherings? and said to him: Let us sit here and talk. » He replied: « O Abu Batn, we only go to the market to greet with peace everyone we meet. » »
Akhlaq and Community: Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
Islam encourages believers to be proactive in promoting goodness and discouraging harm. This collective responsibility is highlighted in Surah Aal-i-Imraan, verse 114:
« They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous. »
Removing Harm from the Path
Even small acts of removing obstacles are considered great deeds. The Prophet ﷺ said:
« Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: « The deeds of my Ummah, the good and the bad thereof, were presented to me. I found the removal of harm from the road among their good deeds, and the spittle in a mosque that was not buried among their bad deeds. » » This teaches that caring for public spaces is an act of faith.
Honesty and Integrity in Speech
Speaking justly and avoiding hypocrisy are central to akhlaq. Allah says:
« Were it to obey and say what is just, and when a matter is resolved on, it were best for them if they were true to Allah. » (Surah Muhammad, verse 21)
Overcoming Arrogance and Cultivating Humility
Arrogance is a grave sin that destroys good deeds. Allah warns:
« Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;- » Humility, on the other hand, is a trait of the believers. The Prophet ﷺ was the most humble of people, and his companions followed his example.
Humility in Gatherings
Surah Al-Mujaadila, verse 11, teaches proper conduct in assemblies:
« O ye who believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room: (ample) room will Allah provide for you. And when ye are told to rise up, rise up Allah will rise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all ye do. » This verse encourages being considerate of others and trusting that Allah will honor those who show humility.
Avoiding Hypocrisy and Backbiting
The Prophet ﷺ was not afraid to speak the truth even about those who appeared righteous. In a hadith, he said about a man seeking permission:
« A man asked permission to see the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). Thereupon, he said: « Let him in. What an evil brother of his people he is! » » This shows that true akhlaq includes being honest about character, while still treating people with courtesy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does akhlaq mean in Islam?
Akhlaq is an Arabic term that refers to character, manners, and moral conduct. In Islam, it encompasses the inner disposition and outward behavior that align with the Quran and Sunnah.
Why are good manners important in Islam?
Good manners are a fundamental part of faith. The Prophet ﷺ said that a believer can attain the rank of one who fasts and prays often through good manners. They reflect true faith and lead to rewards in the Hereafter.
What are some examples of good manners in Islam?
Examples include greeting others with salam, speaking kindly, being honest, lowering the gaze, helping neighbors, removing harm from the road, and showing humility.
How can I improve my akhlaq?
Study the Quran and hadith, observe the Prophet’s example, practice self-reflection, and surround yourself with righteous people. Small consistent efforts lead to lasting change.
What is the relationship between akhlaq and iman (faith)?
Akhlaq is a manifestation of iman. A strong faith naturally produces good character. Conversely, bad manners can weaken one’s faith.
Can bad manners nullify good deeds?
Yes, arrogance and harmful behavior can nullify good deeds. Allah does not love the arrogant, and the Prophet warned against traits like pride and dishonesty.
How does the Quran describe the Prophet’s character?
Allah says in Surah Al-Ahzaab (33:21) that the Prophet ﷺ is an excellent pattern of conduct for those who hope in Allah and the Last Day.
What are the rights of the road in Islam?
According to a hadith, the rights of the road include lowering the gaze, refraining from harm, returning greetings, enjoining good, and forbidding evil.
Good manners (akhlaq) are the essence of Islamic teachings. By following the Quran and the example of the Prophet ﷺ, we can transform our character and draw closer to Allah. Start today by practicing one virtue at a time, and use tools like Al Muslim Plus to deepen your understanding of the Quran, hadith, and supplications that nurture your soul. May Allah grant us the best of manners.
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Sources vérifiées
Citations recoupées mot pour mot avec le corpus canonique (Coran / hadiths).
- Sourate Muhammad, verset 21
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 177
- Sourate An-Nisaa, verset 36
- Sourate Al-Ahzaab, verset 21
- Sourate An-Nisaa, verset 86
- Sourate Al-Mujaadila, verset 11
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 263
- Sourate Aal-i-Imraan, verset 114
- Hadith n°5501 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°10103 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°5799 (Narrated by Abu Daoud & Ahmad) — grade : Authentic for being narrated by another companion
- Hadith n°58120 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°3688 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°4813 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°3585 (Maalik) — grade : Authentic hadith