ISLAMIC ETIQUETTE

Allah Ta'ala tells us in the Qur'an in the 3rd verse of the 5th chapter:

"Today I have perfected your Deen for you, completed My bounty upon you and chosen Islam as your Deen." (5:3)

Islam, being the perfect and final religion, presents us with a way of life as complete as possible. It serves as a guide in all aspects of our lives. The only way to achieve complete success in this world and in the Hereafter, it is to firmly believe in Allah Ta'ala and His Messenger Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) and to put the teachings of the latter into practice.

Allah Ta'ala exhorts us to follow His Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) so that we can obtain his love.

"Say: If you love Allah then follow me, Allah will then love you and forgive your sins. Allah is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful." (3:31)

The Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) is the second fundamental source of Islam. The Sunnah encompasses all the details concerning the life of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) - his words, deeds and approvals - in short, the way he lived. Every aspect of his life is described to us in the great collection of Hadith. So, in addition to the Qur'an, we have the Sunnah of Muhammad Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) as a model as a guide. Allah Ta'ala tells us in His truthful book in verse 21 of chapter 31:

"There is definitely an excellent example in Allah's Rasul (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) for one who fears Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah abundantly." (33:21)

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was not only a preceptor of faith and worship, but also a preceptor of morality and etiquette. The guide of mankind, Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) emphasized the issue of good manners and labels that are directly related to human nature. Whoever in his daily life does not adopt the example and practice of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) with regard to the way of eating, drinking, walking, sleeping, etc., is departing from human nature and thus approaching that of the animal - which is very common nowadays.

Therefore, we should make efforts to put into practice the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) and adopt the way he lived in its entirety. The way of life of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) should have a direct influence on all aspects of our religious as well as worldly life. These manifestations do not only have a symbolic value, but derive their strength from the fact that the Sunnah was revealed by Allah the Almighty:

"By the star when it sets! Your companion [the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam)] is neither astray nor has he lost his direction. He does not speak of his own desires. Whatever he says is revelation revealed to him. He has been taught by one of tremendous might." (53:1-5)

Great rewards await us if we follow in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam).

Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Whoever clings firmly to my Sunnah at the moment when my Ummah is in turmoil, will receive the reward equivalent to that of a hundred martyrs (those who were killed in the way of Allah to spread the splendour of Islam)."

Hadhrat Bilal bin Haaris (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Whoever revives one of my Sunnahs that has become obsolete after my departure will receive a reward equal to that of all those who practice it without any fraction being diminished from their reward." (Tirmizi)

Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) reports that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Whoever loves my Sunnah really loves me. And he who loves me will be with me in Paradise." (Tirmizi)

No doubt by adhering to the Islamic etiquette, our Imaan will be strengthened and the love of Allah Ta'ala and His Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) will be instilled in us. It is therefore the duty of every Muslim to learn and practice the Sunnahs of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). Insha Allah from time to time we will explain, for example, the Masnun (Sunnah) way of eating, drinking and sleeping, among others.

[English version of "L'étiquette Islamique" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 5]