Etiquette in Islam

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the embodiment of mercy, he showed compassion to all those around him: family; orphans; friends; strangers and even enemies. He also treated the environment and animals with respect and mercy.

The traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remind us that humankind was put on this earth to be the custodian of God’s creation. Treating animals with kindness and mercy is just one of the responsibilities embedded in that custodianship. The Prophet (PBUH), said, “Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, Allah will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgement.” The listeners asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is a just cause?” He replied, “That he will kill it to eat, not simply to chop off its head and then throw it away.”

Islam expects humankind to treat all animals (all living creatures - birds, sea creatures and insects) with respect and dignity. Prophet Muhammad continuously advised people to show kindness. He forbade the practice of cutting tails and manes of horses, of branding animals at any soft spot, and of keeping horses saddled unnecessarily. (Saheeh Muslim)

If the Prophet saw any animal over-burdened or ill-fed he would speak mildly to the owner and say, “Fear God in your treatment of animals.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always greeted children with Salam, and he was always very close to children. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned, “He who does not show mercy towards children, no mercy will be shown to him” (Sahih Bukhari – Book:30, Hadith: 5736)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned, “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in paradise like this” putting his index finger and middle finger together. (Sahih Bukhari – Volumne: 30, Hadith: 6005)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “The parable of the Believers in their mutual love and mercy is like that of a living body: if one part feels pain, the whole body suffers in sleeplessness and fever.”

More than that, visiting the sick is a major responsibility that every single Muslim is duty-bound to fulfil. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The rights of one Muslim over another Muslim are six… When you meet him, you greet him with the salaam (i.e. to say: “As-Salamu alaykum”), when he invites you, you accept his invitation, when he consults you in a matter, you give him sincere advice, when he sneezes and praises God, you ask God to have mercy on him, when he is sick, you visit him, and when he passes away you accompany him (through his funeral).” (Sheeh Bukhari)

“A Muslim visiting his sick brother will continue to be in the harvest of paradise until he or she returns home.” (Saheeh Muslim)

The religion of Islam urges kind and considerate treatment towards our neighbours. They deserve our respect and good treatment regardless of their religion, race or colour. The Quran emphasizes the importance of the treatment of neighbours: “Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet)... Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful.” (Quran 4:36)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “He is not a believer who eats his fill when his neighbour beside him is hungry.” (Al-Mundhiri)

“He does not believe whose neighbours are not safe from his injurious conduct.” (Saheeh Bukhari)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “None of you will have faith 'til he likes for his brother what he likes for himself” (Saheeh Bukhari, Volume: 1, Hadith: 13)

Upon hearing good news Muslims say Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah). Muslims believe that nothing happens without the will of Allah and reaffirming this, Allah, the Exalted is glorified on hearing any good news

Muslims remember Allah, before beginning to do anything. It is a beautiful saying, “In the Name of Allah, the most beneficent and the most merciful” - almost every chapter in the Quran begins with “Bismillah hir Rahman nir Rahim”

Thanking is an act of showing gratitude. Islam teaches the best response is to thank someone for the good, what else would be best than to receive a reward for good deeds from Allah, the Exalted

Muslims across the Globe greet each other with the Islamic greeting “Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmathullahi wa Barakatuh” which means “May the Peace, Mercy and Blessing of Allah be on you", and the response for this greeting is “Wa Aalaykum as Salaam wa Rahmathullahi wa Barakatuh” which means “May the Peace, Mercy and Blessing of Allah be on you and your Family”. Unlike Good Morning and Good Day, which cannot be used on all occasions, the Islamic greeting can be used on all occasions, be it happy or sad

Allah has power over all things and he is the provider of all, Allah says in the Quran, “Allah Himself is the Provider of all sustenance, the Possessor of mighty power.” (Quran 51:57-58)

“Allah is the Creator of all things and He is the Guardian and Disposer of all affairs.” (Quran 2:102)