Manners & Character

Sincerity means doing good deeds for Allah alone, not to be praised or seen by people. Allah accepts a deed when it is sincere and done the way the Prophet ﷺ taught.

• Before you pray, give charity or help someone, remind yourself: I am doing this for Allah.
• A good intention can turn everyday actions, like eating, sleeping or working, into rewarded deeds.
• Hide some of your good deeds, so that only Allah knows about them.

Humility means knowing that every good thing we have is from Allah, so we never look down on others.

• Accept the truth, even when it comes from someone younger or poorer than you.
• Help at home and serve others; the Prophet ﷺ used to help his family with the housework (Bukhari).
• Do not boast about your money, looks, family or knowledge.

Haya' is a feeling of shyness and dignity that stops a person from doing what is shameful. The Prophet ﷺ said that modesty is a branch of faith (Bukhari and Muslim).

• Dress and speak in a decent, respectful way.
• Lower your gaze from what is not allowed to look at.
• Feel shy before Allah, who sees you even when no one else does.

A Muslim tells the truth in words and in dealings. Even before he became a prophet, Muhammad ﷺ was known in Makkah as “the trustworthy”.

• Do not lie, even as a joke.
• Be honest in buying and selling: do not hide a fault in what you sell.
• If you make a mistake, admit it truthfully.

After worshipping Allah, the Quran puts kindness to parents at the top. This is true even if your parents are not Muslim: you treat them with kindness and respect.

• Speak to them gently, and never say even a word of annoyance to them.
• Help them, especially when they grow old.
• Make du'a for them: “My Lord, have mercy on them as they raised me when I was small.”

Your neighbour has a special right over you, whatever their religion.

• Greet your neighbours and check on them, especially the elderly.
• Share food with them sometimes, even something small.
• Do not disturb them with noise, rubbish or blocking their way.

A Muslim's word is a trust. Allah commands us to fulfil our promises and agreements.

• Only promise what you are able to do.
• Be on time for appointments.
• Return borrowed things and keep secrets you are trusted with.

Anger is natural, but acting on it can cause words and actions we regret.

• Say: A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim (I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaytan) — the Prophet ﷺ taught this for anger (Bukhari and Muslim).
• If you are standing, sit down, and if that is not enough, lie down (Abu Dawud).
• Stay quiet until you calm down, and forgive when you can.

Visiting a sick person brings them comfort and brings you great reward.

• Keep the visit short and gentle, unless they want you to stay.
• Make du'a for them. The Prophet ﷺ used to say to the sick: “La ba's, tahurun in sha' Allah” — no harm, it is a purification, if Allah wills (Bukhari).
• Bring hope and kind words, not frightening stories.

Words can build or destroy. A Muslim thinks before speaking.

• Avoid backbiting: speaking about someone behind their back in a way they would dislike.
• Do not spread rumours or things you have not checked.
• If you have nothing good to say, silence is better.

The Muslim greeting is “As-salamu 'alaykum” (Peace be upon you). The reply is “Wa 'alaykum as-salam” (And upon you be peace). Allah tells us to reply with a better greeting, or at least the same.

• Greet people you know and people you do not know (Bukhari and Muslim).
• The one riding greets the one walking, the one walking greets the one sitting, and the small group greets the larger group (Bukhari and Muslim).
• Say salam when you enter your home, too.

A smile costs nothing, yet it is a good deed that brings reward and spreads love.

• Meet your family, friends and classmates with a warm smile.
• A kind look and a gentle voice are part of good character.

Islam turns a simple meal into worship when we follow these manners:

• Say “Bismillah” before eating. If you forget, say “Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu” (In the name of Allah at its beginning and its end) — Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi.
• Eat and drink with your right hand.
• Never criticise food: the Prophet ﷺ never found fault with food; if he liked it he ate it, otherwise he left it (Bukhari and Muslim).
• Say “Alhamdulillah” when you finish, and do not waste food.

The Prophet ﷺ told of a man who found a dog so thirsty it was licking the mud. He filled his shoe with water from a well and gave it a drink, and Allah forgave him. The companions asked if there is reward even for animals, and he gave this answer.

• Feed and give water to animals in your care, and do not overload them.
• Never hit or torment an animal for fun.
• Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all matters (Bukhari and Muslim).