Islamic Etiquette (Adab):
Islamic Etiquette emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion. By embodying these principles in our interactions, we can foster harmonious relationships within our families, communities and society at large.
Islamic Etiquette in the context of behavior, refers to prescribed Islamic Etiquette:" refinement, good manner's , morals , decorum, decency, humaneness".
Islamic etiquette emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness, respect and compassion.
Etiquette in simple words:
Etiquette is a set of social rules or norms that guide how people should behave in different situations, promoting courtesy, respect and consideration for others. It's essentially the accepted way to act in social settings to make everyone comfortable and avoid causing offense.
Social norms:
Etiquette is about following the accepted customs and behaviors of a particular society or group.
Courtesy and respect:
It emphasizes treating others with politeness, respect and consideration like saying please and thank you.
Creating a positive environment:
Etiquette helps create a more harmonious and comfortable social environment by guiding appropriate behavior in various situations.
Example:
Saying Assalam o alaikum when meeting someone using appropriate greetings being punctual and refraining from interrupting conversations are all examples of etiquette.
Manners verses etiquette:
While manners are individuals behaviors, etiquette provides the framework for those behavior.
Etiquette of students in Islam:
The student's etiquette towards the self. Adab towards the self is key to purifying the soul. This is why both al-Isfahani and Al-Ghazali identified Adab of the soul as the first duty of the student. Such soul - purification requires adopting a detached attitude to the world. Mastering etiquette as a student is about showing respect, consideration and professionalism in all aspects of your academic life.
Etiquette in Islam for kids:
- Respect for elders.
- Kindness and compassion
- Gratitude
- Honesty and truthfulness.
- Good manner's in eating and drinking
- Cleanliness and personal hygiene.
- Respect for differences.
- Prayed and worship etiquette.
Rules of etiquette does Islam set within the home life:
The wife is responsible for husband and children for the maintenance of her house in a safe and sound way, for recognizing her husband as the head of the family to be attached to him with her chastity honour and loyalty with perfect devotion to her husband inside and outside home.
Etiquette of speech in Islam:
A believe must have intuition and adjust his words according to the person whom he speaks, because words which are good for some people might hurt others. This is why first the Psychological state of the listener must be determined and before saying something, two three steps ahead must be calculated.
Islamic etiquettes for a newborn child:
- Gratitude
- Aqiqah
- A beautiful name.
- Circumcision.
- Shave the hair
- Adhaan
- Parents responsibility and Dua.
Some Islamic etiquettes:
Thought small acts like greeting with salaam, peace, smiling at other's, offering help to throw in need, showing gratitude for blessings received, and maintaining cleanliness both physically and spiritually we can exemplify the teaching of Prophet Muhammad SAW who was known for his impeccable manners.
Etiquette for eating in Pakistan:
It's polite to graciously accept tea and refreshments served in social situations. People wait for elders to sit down and begin before eating. Pakistanis will often use their hands to eat rather than cutlery. However, it is considered bad etiquette to pass, serve if spoon food to one's mouth with the left hand.
Etiquette for drinking in Islam:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW has similarly informed us of the etiquette for drinking water. He would typically drink water in three gulps and he instructed us to mention the name of Allah before drinking and to praise him afterwards by saying Alhamdulillah.
Etiquette of cleanliness in Islam:
We should keep our rooms, our homes, our schools, our neighborhood, our roads , our parks, our island, and our oceans clean. We should always dispose of garbage in dustbin. We should not litter even little things like a bottle cap or a candy wrapper. As good Muslims, we must respect and his creations.
Why etiquette is important:
Etiquette us important because it fosters respectfully and considerate interactions, leading to stronger relationships, a more positive environment and enhanced personal and professional reputations. It helps avoid misunderstanding, promotes social harmony and increases confidence in various situations.
1. Building stronger relationships:
- Etiquette helps individual navigate social situations with grace and consideration, making other feel comfortable and respected.
- By being mindful of social cues and communicating effectively, individuals can foster meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings.
- Showing respect and consideration through etiquette can lead to stronger bonds and deeper connection with others.
2. Creating a positive environment:
- Etiquette promotes a positive atmosphere by reducing conflict and fostering a sense of harmony.
- Practicing good manner's, such as being punctual and avoiding gossip, contributes to a more pleasant and productive environment for everyone.
- Etiquette helps individuals feel at ease and comfortable in various social settings, whether it's a casual gathering or a format event.
3. Enhancing personal and professional reputations:
- Good etiquette reflects positively on an individual, enhancing their reputation and making them more approachable.
- In professional settings, etiquette can be crucial for making a positive first impression and building trust with colleagues and clients.
- Etiquette also demonstrates self respect and confidence which can be beneficial in various life situations.
4. Avoiding misunderstanding and offense:
- Proper etiquette helps individuals avoid unintentionally offending or insulting others, ensuring clear and effective communication.
- Understanding culture nuances and social norms can prevent misunderstanding and promote respectful interaction.
- By being mindful of social cues and practicing good manner's, individuals can navigate social situations with greater ease and confidence.
Example of etiquette:
- Use proper greetings. Always greet people with a smile and a Assalam o alaikum.
- Say "please" and " thank you".
- Practice good table manners.
- Be mindful of your language.
- Respect personal space.
- Dress appropriately.
- Be a good listener
- Put your phone away.
Etiquette for giving advice in Islam:
Giving advice should be done on the basis of knowledge and clear proof. The advice should be given privately not out loud in front of people, unless doing so serves a clear interest that outweigh any negative consequences.
Etiquette of talking:
Focus on the person you are talking to don't look at your phone or watch. The person is expecting hour complete attention. Your actions speak way louder than words and refrain from interrupting or completing their sentences for them.
Etiquette of the Quran Kareem:
- Recite with a slow steady pace. Second, one must recite slow and steady pace, and meditate upon their meaning.
- Weep when reciting the Quran Kareem.
- Give each verse it's due.
- If there is a risk of ostentation id distraction.
- Endeavors fo recite in a melodious voice.
Etiquette answer in one word:
Etiquette can be defined as a set of norms of personal behavior in polite society, usually occuring in the form of an ethical code of the expected and accepted social behavior that accord with the convention and norms observed and practiced by a society, a social class or a social group.
Islam is not just a religion it is a way of life. From our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW and his great character we learn how to live and deal with different situations. The Prophet Muhammad SAW is our role model, ana we strive to learn from.his teachings.
Allah SWT said in the Quran Kareem about the Prophet Muhammad SAW:
" It is out of Allah's mercy that you O Prophet Muhammad SAW have been lenient with them. Had you been cruel or hard hearted they would have certainly abandoned you. So pardon them, ask Allah's forgiveness for them, and consult with them in conducting matters. Once you make a decision put your trust in Allah SWT. Surely, Allah loves those who trust in him".
Why are manner and etiquette in Islam important:
Good manners of Islam and etiquette teach us how to live our lives according to the Sunnah and teachings of Islam. They refer to the teachings that guide us and teach us how to live our lives. In addition to the good behavior id dealing and interacting with other's.
Etiquette in Islam is important because if represents the guidelines of how to deal with others with good manners. This includes being kind to them, helping one another, and not being arrogant or envious. We are here to help each other and ease our lives, that's what our religion teaches us
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW character and his Sunnah in Islam are what guide to a better better life. Allah SWT described the prophet in the Holy Quran and said:
" And you are truly a man of outstanding character".
Good manners and etiquette in Islam are the main pillars. If we neglect it will be as if we neglect a main part of worshipping. It is an important as praying, fasting, reciting the verses of the Quran Kareem and giving charity.
For instance, if a person prays all the five daily prayers, fasts and gives out Zakat but treats people badly and with arrogance is he considered a good Muslim.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW said about good manners in Islam: " Nothing is weightier on the scale of deeds than one's good manners."
Allah SWT sent our beloved Prophet to us to be a source of guidance and a role model to all Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" The most beloved of Alla's servants to Allah are those with the best manners."
Among the etiquette in Islam and good manner's are, visiting sick people, fixing broken ties and relationships praying for others, making Dua for other guiding each other to be better Muslims, and doing what is good. It also involves respecting the elderly, being kind showing love and compassion to the young, and not backbiting each other.
Good manners in Islam guide us to be better Muslims and protect us from what is bad and falling for life temptations. If you want success and happiness, be equiped with good manners and etiquette.
Allah SWT says in the Quran Kareem:
"Indeed, in the messenger of Allah SWT you have an excellent example for whoever has Hope in Allah SWT and the last day and remembers Allah often."
The messenger of Allah SWT said:
" The believers most perfect in faith are those best in character ".
Social etiquette of Muslims:
We can learn about the etiquette in Islam from the Holy Quran ana the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. We can learn about the social etiquette of Muslims from the following verse:
" O believers! When you are told to make room in gatherings, then do so. Allah will make room for you in his grace". And if you are told to rise, then do so. Allah SWT will elevate those of you are faithful and raise those gifted with knowledge in rank. And Allah Subhan o Ta'ala is all aware of what you do."
From the above verse we learn to avoid backbiting, and spreading rumors, instead, we should be friendly to each other, and if someone comes to join the gathering you should welcome him and let him be part of it.
It was narrated that ibn Umar says: " Let ni person get up only to have another to sit in his place, but rather make room and enlarge your circle.
It is etiquette in Islam to thank the Persian who makes room for you and sit beside him. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" When people take their places and sit, and a man invites a Muslim brother of his and makes from room for him, let the latter take it. It is generous offered to him, so let him sit there ".
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW instructed us not to separate between people. Hazrat Muhammad SAW said:
" It is not lawful for any man to sperate two people without their permission."
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" No one among you should cause a man to stand and then sit in his place."
Jabir Ibn Samurah said:
" When we joined the Prophet Muhammad SAW, we used to sit where the end was, meaning at the end of the group in order not to inconvenience anyone and make them get up".
Also, among social etiquette of Muslims ja getting one another. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" O people! Spread greetings. Offer food keep in touch with your blood relatives. And pray while people are asleep. And you will be admitted into paradise in peace."
The Prophet Muhammad SAW also said:
" If one of you joins an assembly, let him greet . And if he gets up while others are still sitting let him greet. For the former is more of an obligation than the latter."
When visiting people, we should not stay for too long. Instead, we should leave after discussing what we came for fo that we don't bother the host. Furthermore one of the social etiquette in Islam is when being at someone's else's house you should look in front of you and not look around for no reason.
When a person yawns, he should cover his mouth with his hand and when he sneezes, he should say "Alhamdulillah ".
When being in a group of three, you all should be part of the conversation. Don't talk to one of the two, and leave the other feeling lonely.
Furthermore, before leaving gathering one should recite the following Dua: Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" When a person sits in an assembly, having engaged in such idle talk, and then says, before getting up: " Glory and praise be to you my Lord. There is no God other than you. I pray for your pardon and repent to you Allah paak forgives for him what he has done in that assembly.
Etiquette on the streets in Islam:
The etiquette in Islam and good manners cover all life's situations. We can learn about street etiquette from the following Hadith. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" Beware sitting in the streets." They said, " Oh messenger of Allah SWT! We do not need gathering to talk about it. The Messenger of Allah SWT said: if you refuse to sit in the streets then give the road it's right. They said, " what is the right of the road, O Messenger of Allah SWT " He said, " lower your gaze, refraining from harm, returning the greeting, enjoining good and forbidding evil".
The above Hadith concluded all the manner and behaviors that we should conduct when being on the street.
- Lowering the gaze: one of the Sunnahs in Islam is that the person should lower his gaze when being in the street.. Allah paak says in the Quran Kareem:
O Prophet! Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is all aware of what they do."
1. To refrain from harm: Another thing regarding street etiquette is not to harm Another or backbite people and spread rumors about them.
Abdullah bin Amr narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand Muslims are safe".
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" Removing harm from the road is charity".
If you found a stone or anything on the road that might hurt or harm someone else then you should remove it and put it aside. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" While a man was walking on a road, he found a thorny bough on the road, so he delayed it, so Allah SWT thanked him and forgave him."
It is an etiquette in Islam to not sit in the streets. Because it may lead to something Haram is harming someone else. For instance, it is annoying to pass by a group of people sitting in the street and watching everyone who comes and goes. This act bothers many people and cause them distress. And if there was no place else to conduct adhere to the street etiquette that our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW taught us.
1. When being greeted return the greeting, when someone says the Salam or greets us we should return the Salam, that's what the Prophet Muhammad SAW taught us to do. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" Five are obligatory for a Muslim to hua brother, one of them is returning the salaam."
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW also said;
" The rider greet the one walking, the pedestrian greets the seated one, and the few greet the many".
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand and if he is not able, then with his tongue, and if he is not able then with his heart and that is the weakest of faith."
Eating etiquette in Islam:
Etiquette before eating:
- It is Sunnah in Islam to wash our hands before we start eating so that our hands are clean and we won't annoy the people who eat us. Plus cleaning our hands before eating protects us from disease or harm.
- If you don't know what good you are going to eat ask about it. Especially if you are in non Muslim country you have to ask about he food because it might a harm ingredients.
- When inviting someone to your house it is etiquette in Islam to offer him food or something to drink. And if you were the guest then you should accept the food or drink to honor the host. If you don't eat or drink what the host offers you he may think that there is something wrong with what he offers you or that you are disgusted by it. Therefore, you should hasten and eat from what is offered to you so that you won't hurt this feelings.
- Before you start eating it is a sunnah in Islam to say the name of Allah SWT, just say "بسم اللہ الرحمٰن الرحیم" then start eating right away. But what if you started eating and forget to mention the name of Allah SWT.
It was narrated from Umm Kalthum from Aisha that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" When any one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah SWT. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah SWT at the beginning then let him say " Allah at the beginning and at the end".
Additionally, it is an etiquette in Islam to eat from what is in front of you. Umar ibn Abi Salmah said:
" I was young boy in the care of messenger of Allah SWT and my hand used to wander all over the platter . The messenger of Allah SWT said to me,
" O young boy, say Bismillah eat with your right hand and eat from what is directly in front of you."
1. Eat with your right hand, as our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW instructed us to do in the following Hadith: " Say Bismillah, sat with your right hand and eat from what is directly in front of you "
Etiquette in Islam while eating:
1. One of the eating etiquette is to eat with our right, not the left.
Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" No one among you should eat with his left hand, or drink with it, for the Shatan eats with his left hand and drinks with it."
Also, Umair ibn abi Salmah said:
" I was a young boy in the care of the Messenger of Allah SWT and my hand used to wander all over the platter. The messenger of Allah SWT said to me:
" O young boy, say Bismillah eat with your right hand and eat from what is directly in front of you."
If the person has an excuse why he can't use his right hand then it is okay to eat with the left one. For instance, if the right hand is broken or injured, it is okay to eat with your left hand.
1. Eating from what is in front of one, don't wonder and eat from what is in front of other people. It is a sunnah in Islam to eat from what is in front of us. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said to Umar ibn Salmah,
" O young boy, say Bismillah eat with your right hand and eat from what is directly in front of you ."
Eating from someone else's plate of from the middle of the plate is a rude and a bad manner. Plus, it will annoy the people who are eating with you and they will take it as an impolite manner.
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" The blessing descends in the middle of the food, so eat from the edges and do not eat from the middle."
Etiquette after eating:
1. It is an etiquette in Islam to say " Alhamdulillah" when you finish eating. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad used to say the following Dua when he finished eating: ( Praise to be Allah, much good and blessed praise. O our Lord, you are in need of anyone and we cannot do without your favour nor dispense with it).
Additionally when eating any food the Prophet Muhammad SAW used to say: " Allah SWT! Bless it for us and feed us with better than it). And when he drank milk he would say, ( O Allah paak, bless it for us and give us more).
It was narrated form ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allah SWT said:
" Whoever is fed by Allah, let him say, and whoever is given by Allah SWT, let him say, O Allah paak, bless it for us and give us more."
Etiquette after eating:
1. It is an etiquette in Islam to say Alhamdulillah when you finish eating . Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW used to say the following dua when he finished eating: Praise be to Allah SWT, mush good and blessed praise. O our lord, you are in need of anyone and we cannot dow without hour favour nor dispense with it.
Additionally, when eating any food the Prophet Muhammad SAW used to say;
"O Allah paak bless it for us and feed us with better than it."
And when he drank milk he would say,
" O Allah,bless it for us and give us more ".
1. The etiquette in Islam of eating is to wash our hands once we finish eating, as it is a sunnah. You can either wash your hands with just water or with soap. Ibn Raslan said:
" But it is better to wash the hands with potash or soap or something similar".
From this, we conclude that we should wash our hands before and after eating.
Rinsing and washing the mouth after eating. Once you finish eating it is a sunnah to wash your mouth with water. And if you performed Ablution and ate something then heard the Azan it is ok to wash your mouth with water and pray, you don't have to perform Ablution again.
Bashir ibn Yasar narrated Suwayd ibn al-Buksn told him that " they were with the Prophet Muhammad SAW. So he ate some and we all ate with him. Then he called fir water and rinsed out his mouth, and then he prayed, and we prayed, and he did not do Ablution.
1. Making Dua for one's host. Ana's narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SAW came to Sa'd ibn Ubaidah who brought him some bread and oil and he ate. Then the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" Many fasting people break their fast with you, may the righteous eat your food, and many the angels send blessings upon you."
1. Don't eat while lying down. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" I do not want whilst I am reclining."
There are different opinions what the Prophet Muhammad SAW meant by reclining ibn Hajar said:
The scholars differed as to what reclining meant. It was said that it means being too comfortable in sitting to eat in whatever manner; or that it meant leaning on one side; or that it meant resting with one's left arm on the ground.... Ibn Adiyy narrated with a da'if that the Prophet Muhammad SAW rebuked a man for testing in his left arm when eating .
Manners and etiquette in the Quran Kareem:
The Qur’an Kareem (Holy Qur’an) offers profound guidance on manners (akhlaq) and etiquette (adab) that form the foundation of Islamic character and social conduct. These teachings are meant to cultivate a society based on justice, respect, humility, and compassion. Below are some key areas of manners and etiquette highlighted in the Qur’an, with relevant verses:
🔹 1. Speaking Kindly and Respectfully
Avoid harsh or offensive language:
"And speak to people good [words]."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83)
Lower your voice and be humble in speech:
"...And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice. Indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys."
— Surah Luqman (31:19)
Speak with wisdom and good instruction:
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction..."
— Surah An-Nahl (16:125)
🔹 2. Respecting Parents
Show utmost respect and kindness to parents, especially in old age:
"And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'"
— Surah Al-Isra (17:24)
Do not say even "uff" to them:
"Say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word."
— Surah Al-Isra (17:23)
🔹 3. Being Honest and Just
Stand for justice, even against yourself or loved ones:
"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives..."
— Surah An-Nisa (4:135)
Do not cheat in measurements or dealings:
"Give full measure and do not be of those who cause loss."
— Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:181)
🔹 4. Avoiding Gossip, Backbiting, and Suspicion
Avoid suspicion, spying, and backbiting:
"O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other..."
— Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12)
🔹 5. Greeting Others
Reply to greetings with better or equal greeting:
"When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with one better than it or [at least] return it in a like manner."
— Surah An-Nisa (4:86)
🔹 6. Lowering the Gaze and Modesty
For both men and women:
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts..."
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts..."
— Surah An-Nur (24:30-31)
🔹 7. Kindness and Generosity
Do not be stingy, nor extravagant:
"And those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate."
— Surah Al-Furqan (25:67)
Give charity in private and public:
"If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you..."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:271)
🔹 8. Visiting Others' Homes
Seek permission before entering:
"O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants..."
— Surah An-Nur (24:27)
🔹 9. Patience and Forgiveness
Be patient and forgive others:
"And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better..."
— Surah Fussilat (41:34)
🔹 10. Cleanliness and Purification
Purity is beloved to Allah:
"Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222)
Muslim etiquette for non- Muslims:
Etiquette in Islam includes treating non- Muslims nicely, treating them with respect, and kindness and being just toward them. That is what the Quran Kareem and Sunnah teach us.
1. Kindness and good character:
One of the Muslim manners is showing kindness and respect. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW taught us to do that and we should follow his teachings and example.
2. Justice and fairness:
If is a Muslim manners etiquette to be just and stand with the truth. As Muslims we are encouraged by the Quran Kareem and Sunnah to treat everyone with justice and not to differentiate between them. Allah SWT said in the Quran Kareem:
" Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that us nearer to righteousness."
3. Freedom of religion:
One of the etiquette in Islam and it's teachings is to respect other religions and that everyone is free to choose his religion and we should respect that. As Muslims, we are instructed to respect other religions, as Allah paak said in the Quran Kareem:
" Let there be no compulsion in religion".
4. Respect for sacred symbols and beliefs:
One of the etiquette in Islam and it's teachings is to respect other religions and beliefs. Muslim's are not allowed to make fun of or mock other beliefs and practices.
Now you know that what are the manner's and etiquette in Islam and how to perform them in order to be closer to Allah SWT and follow our beloved Prophets Muhammad SAW guidance.
5. Charity and assistance:
Muslims are instructed to help anyone in need and show kindness. Charity is given to anyone in need whether Muslim or non Muslim.
Importance of Islamic Etiquette in Islam:
Islamic etiquette, known as Adab (أدب), refers to the manners and moral conduct that a Muslim is encouraged to practice in daily life. These etiquettes are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah (practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), and Islamic scholarly tradition. Practicing good manners is not just a social expectation in Islam—it is considered a form of worship and a reflection of one's faith.
Here are some important aspects of Islamic etiquette:
1. Greeting with Peace (Salam)
Muslims greet each other by saying "As-salamu Alaikum" (Peace be upon you).
The proper response is "Wa Alaikum as-Salam" (And upon you be peace).
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something that if you do, you will love one another? Spread salam among yourselves.” (Sahih Muslim)
2. Respecting Parents and Elders
Being kind and obedient to parents is one of the highest virtues in Islam.
The Qur'an says:
“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.’” (Qur’an 17:24)
Elders and teachers should be respected and spoken to with kindness.
3. Speaking Good or Staying Silent
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Avoid gossip, backbiting, lying, and harsh speech.
4. Cleanliness and Hygiene
Islam places a great emphasis on personal and environmental cleanliness.Performing wudu (ablution) before prayer is required.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Cleanliness is half of faith.” (Sahih Muslim)
5. Eating Etiquette
Begin eating by saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah).
Eat with the right hand.
Do not waste food.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The food of one is sufficient for two, the food of two is sufficient for four.” (Sahih Muslim)
6. Visiting the Sick and Helping Others
Islam encourages Muslims to care for the sick, poor, and needy.Visiting the sick is a Sunnah and brings great reward.Helping others is seen as a duty and an act of charity (sadaqah).
7. Modesty (Haya)
Modesty in dress, speech, and behavior is highly valued.Both men and women are instructed to lower their gaze and dress modestly.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every religion has its distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty.” (Ibn Majah)
8. Respect for Neighbors
Treating neighbors with kindness is emphasized in Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
9. Seeking Permission and Privacy
Islam teaches respect for others’ privacy.Before entering someone's home, Muslims should knock and seek permission.
The Qur'an instructs:
“Do not enter houses other than your own without first seeking permission and greeting those in them.” (Qur’an 24:27)
10. Maintaining Trust and Honesty
Honesty is a key trait of a believer.
Trustworthiness was one of the main qualities of the Prophet ﷺ.
Lying, cheating, and breaking promises are strongly condemned.
Conclusion
Islamic etiquette builds a strong moral character and a healthy, respectful society. Practicing Adab not only pleases Allah but also strengthens relationships among people. It reflects the beauty of Islam in everyday actions and interactions.Islamic etiquette (Adab) is an essential part of a Muslim’s life. It reflects the values of Islam through good manners, respect, cleanliness, kindness, honesty, and modesty. These etiquettes are not only social customs but acts of worship that bring a person closer to Allah. By following the teachings of the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Muslims create a peaceful, respectful, and caring society. Practicing good manners is a sign of strong faith and a key to success in this life and the Hereafter.