GOOD MANNERS ARE AS
IMPORTANT AS GOOD GRADES
Nabee E Kareem, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, was an excellent example of good manners. This facet of his personality was known to Muslims as well as non-Muslims during his life. When the noble Qur’aan declared him to be a role model for high moral character, none of his contemporary disbelievers went on record to disagree with this Qur’anic statement.The extraordinary importance of good manners is clear by the fact that Rasool-e-Akram, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, himself used to pray to Allaah to inculcate them in his personality. One of his sincere Du’aas reads:
“O Allah! I ask You for good health, for self-control, for ‘good manners’, for full trust in You and to be satisfied with whatever You have decreed for me.”
Once, while highlighting the importance of good manners in a Muslim’s life, he included it in his duties as the Messenger of Allaah. He used to reiterate:
“One of my important duties, is to personally set an example for excellent manners and to develop them in my people”.
The following authentic Ahaadees show just a glimpse of his moral teachings:
1. “On the Day of Resurrection, on the scale of the believer, nothing will be heavier than his good manners. Allaah dislikes those who speak with others rudely and indecently. Indeed, Muslims of ‘good-character’ will attain the rank of those Muslims, who although fast and pray a lot voluntarily, but are careless about good manners.”
2. Describing one of the ways to reside in the highest part of Jannah, the noble Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, used to teach us:
“I guarantee you a house in Paradise, if you avoid arguing with others, even if your view is correct. I guarantee you a house in the middle of Paradise, if you do not lie, even jokingly. I guarantee you a house in the highest part of Paradise, if your manners are good with others.”
3. Telling us how to deal with our youngsters and elders, he used persuade us:
“He who is not kind with youngsters and does not respect elders is not one of us.”
4. “(Do) you know who is most beloved to me in this world and will be closest to me on the day of Judgment?”
His students eagerly asked: “Yaa Rasoolallaah! Who are such fortunate Muslims?”
He said; ‘The best in manners will be closest to me on the Day of Judgment…”.
Why Islam attaches such an extraordinary importance to good manners lies in the fact that being polite, humble, respectful for others and dealing with them with good manners, makes them feel valued and fills the home and work environment with joy and peace.
Out of various moral teachings of Islam, thanking others for their kind gestures stands prominent. Encouraging us for it, the noble Prophet used to comment:
“One who does not thank people for their kind gestures will eventually fail to thank Allaah for his Blessings.”
He personally used to reciprocate any kind gesture shown to him. His wife Sayyidatuna ‘Aysha, RadiyAllaahu Anha, used to report: “On receiving a gift, Rasoolullaah used to give something in return.”
He used to encourage Muslims for exchanging gifts, saying:
“If you receive a gift, then reciprocate it. If you can’t afford it, then at least praise the one who has given it to you, for such appreciation of yours will equate to thanking.”
Last but not the least, the noble Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, used to encourage Muslims for thanking others by the phrase “Jazaakal Laahu Khair”, which means “may Allaah reward you for it!”. He used to teach us:
“It would be best if you thank others with ‘Jazaakal Laahu Khair’ for their kind gesture.”
Explaining this Hadees-e-Shareef, the religious scholars say: “When we say “thank you”, we intend to inform others that we appreciate their help. But it does not say anything further nor does it attract divine blessings for them. However when we use ‘Jazaakal Laahu Khair’ for this purpose, we not only appreciate their kind gesture but also imply: “We don’t believe that we could ever repay you for your kind gesture. Hence we sincerely request Allaah to reward you for your kind gesture”. Therefore, we should prefer ‘Jazaakal Laahu Khair’ to ‘thank you’, etc.
Maashaa Allaah! What an excellent way to thank others. This is the reason why the noble Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, used ‘Jazaakal Laahu Khair’ for thanking others. Being his followers, it is our duty to use it and to popularize its usage among others. May Allaah help us to lead a decent, and good-mannered life, Aameen Yaa Rabbal ‘Aalameen.
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