Good manners (akhlaq)
Islamic Studies · Key Stage 1 · The School
Manners are the point
The Prophet ﷺ said he was sent to perfect good character, and that nothing is heavier on the scales than good character (at-Tirmidhi). So manners are not the polite extra on top of Islam — they are a large part of what Islam is asking for.
Three to start with
TRUTHFULNESS: say what happened, even when it costs you. GREETING: say salam first, to people you know and people you do not. PATIENCE WITH FAMILY: the people you live with see the real you, so they see your manners first. Each of these is small enough to practise this week.
The neighbour
The Prophet ﷺ said the angel Jibril kept urging him about the rights of neighbours until he thought neighbours would inherit. That is a striking way to say it: whoever lives next door has a claim on your kindness, whether or not they are Muslim, whether or not you like them.
Choose ONE and keep it for seven days. Salam first, before anyone speaks to you. Or: never interrupt, however sure you are. Or: say something true and good about someone every day. Or: eat with your right hand and never criticise food. Mark a chart each evening. One manner kept for a week becomes automatic; five attempted at once become none.