The perferct Muslim, in the first instance, is one
who has a perfect relationship with his Creator,
Allah. Following which, he develops good
relationship wth his fellow men, both Muslims and
non-Muslims, conducting himself in an exemplary
manner as an example for all to follow. This is
completed with him acknowledging his role in the
system - being part of the community, the country
and Earth.
He does this first by having faith - one that is
unshakeable and unflinching - in the presence of
the Great Lord and His Power over all the worlds.
That none can be compared to Him, and there is
none worthy of workship but Him. And the belief that
Muhammad is his Prophet and Messenger. He
completes this faith with the rest of the 6 Arcticles
of Islamic Faith.
But one cannot just have faith without knowledge.
Knowledge about the religion is important. This
mastery of knowledge is one of the principles in the
practice of Islam Hadhari. Remember what the first
revelation was:
Iqra'. bi-ismi rabbika alladzh ee khalaqa
Recite in the name of your Lord who created
In fact, not having the knowledge may result in one
practising Islam wrongly. One must not also only be
satisfied with the most basic of knowledge to allow
him to carry out his day-to-day practice of Islam.
The same way he upgrades his knowledge for work
and studies, he should do the same for his mastery
of Islam. Islam is our guiding principle, and it is only
right that we should put equal, if not more,
emphasis on it with respect to gaining more
knowledge about it. When we stopped working or
stopped studying, what we learn may no longer be
of use. But whatever we learn of Islam and being a
good Muslim will be practical till the day we die.
Isn't it much more beneficial then to invest more
towards Islam? Furthermore, the more one knows
about Islam, the more one will love it.
THE PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RULES OF
ISLAMIC MANNERS
I got this here and is written by Marwan Ibrahim al-
Kaysi . I'm displaying it here for everyone to benefit
from:
The principal characteristics and rules of Islamic
manners for various aspects of life can be
summarized as follows:
1. In almost everything, deliberation (and not
haste) is required. A Muslim should consider
how a matter might turn out; then, if the
outcome appears worthwhile and good, he
should carry on, otherwise he should refrain.
2. Kindness and gentleness in a Muslim's
dealings with others are essential.
3. Cleanliness and purity of body, place, clothes,
etc., should be one of the most conspicuous
characteristics of Muslim life.
4. Beauty, elegance, orderliness are values for
the Muslim to observe, and whenever
possible to attain.
5. According to Islam, a good deed done with
courtesy beautifies that deed; impudence, on
the other hand, destroys the good in it.
6. All a Muslim's deeds should express an
attitude of humility and not arrogance.
7. A Muslim is commanded to avoid any act that
might harm himself or some other person,
physically, mentally or morally.
8. In the daily life of a Muslim, silence is
preferred to unnecessary speaking.
9. A Muslim should treat others as he would
wish them to treat him. Like for others what
he would like for himself. Good manners
without consideration for others are an
impossibility.
10. A Muslim should never order or ask anyone
to do something that he would not do himself.
11. Favouring the right side or hand in things
such as giving, taking, shaking hands, eating,
drinking, walking, etc., and using the left hand
for such things as cleaning oneself in the
toilet, is recommended.
12. Eating, drinking and clothing oneself, etc.,
well, are allowed as long as the motive is not
pride or arrogance. Life characterized by
extravagance is abhorred.
13. Though extravagance is abhorred, this does
not imply that a Muslim should not have
money or not enjoy life. The effects of God's
blessings upon him should be visible to
others.
14. Being generous and not mean or avaricious
is a virtue.
15. Gratitude to God should characterize a
Muslim's life, whether He blesses or burdens
him, and gratitude with patience and fortitude.
16. A Muslim must be always faithful.
17. In all aspects of life a Muslim must exercise
moderation and be natural; unnaturalness and
exaggeration are disapproved.
18. A Muslim should be self-sufficient and should
seek the help of other Muslims only when it is
urgent and necessary.
19. Copying or imitating other cultures and
religions in any way is forbidden.
20. Obedience and carrying out another's orders
or wishes may not contradict the teachings of
Islam; if it does, the teachings of Islam must
be given priority.
21. Maintaining sexual identity is most important.
Imitation of men by women, or of women by
men, in dress, manner of walking, etc. is
forbidden.
22. One of the most pervasive characteristics of
Islamic manners is discipline, leading to
balance and harmony in the life of the
individual and the community.
23. Flexibility and tolerance are also
characteristics of aadaab al-Islaam. Broadly
speaking, any particular conduct is tolerated
or accepted if it is civilized (i.e. considerate of
others) and respectable (i.e. inoffensive to the
individual and community) and provided it
does not fall into the categories of the
abhorred or forbidden.