Akhlaq: The Soul of Islam – How Good Manners Can Transform Your Life

 

Good Manners Can Transform Your Life: Akhlaq, the Soul of Islam. 

"Why are Muslims so disliked?" When I first heard this painful question from a friend who isn't a Muslim, it really hit me hard. I wanted to say, "It's just Islamophobia!" at first. But then I paused.  "Is it truly only that? Or are we, as Muslims, sometimes failing to represent the beautiful manners our faith teaches?" 

 The truth is that Islam is about more than just five daily prayers and the hijab. Those are crucial, but are we truly practicing Islam if our demeanor is harsh, our tongues are sharp, and our hearts are closed? Not only did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teach us how to pray, but he also showed us how to spread kindness throughout the world.

  1.  The Shocking Reality: Bad Manners Can Ruin Your Deeds 

 Just picture this: - You pray Tahajjud every night… but gossip about your coworkers.  

 You fast on Mondays and Thursdays, but you still yell at your parents. You give generously, but you don't care about the suffering of your neighbors. The Prophet (PBUH) issued a warning: > "A person can fast all day and pray all night, but he will go to Hell if he hurts people with his tongue." (MUSNAD AHMED) Ouch.  

 I was hit hard by this. I came to the realization that while I may appear to be the "perfect Muslim" from the outside, my faith is incomplete if my akhlaq is rotten.    

2.  The manners of the prophet warmed hearts. 

Let me share my favorite moments from the Seerah that changed how I see manners:  

The Perfect Gentleman - (!!) A Bedouin once peed in the mosque. The companions were enraged, but the Prophet (PBUH) intervened, cleaned it, and gently instructed the man. (Bukhari, Sahih) - Lesson: Empathy-based correction of others is an example of good manners, not humiliation. The King Who Slept on the Floor  

 Despite ruling an entire nation, the Prophet:  - Mended his own sandals  

  - Milked his goats 

 - Interacted with street children and played. Lesson: Rather than status, true greatness is humility.  The One Who Forgave Those Who Tortured Him. When the Prophet (pbuh) conquered Makkah, his former foes trembled in anticipation of receiving retribution. Instead, he said:  

  "Go, you're free," - Lesson: Forgiving people have the strongest hearts.

    3.  Where Do You Stand Regarding the Akhlaq Test? 

Let's conduct a brief self-check (I'm doing it as well!): When I'm irritated by someone, do I: Turn around? (NAFS mode)  

 - Take a deep breath and be kind? (In prophetic mode) When I see a mistake, do I:  

 - Shame the person in public? (in Pharaoh's mode) Provide loving advice to them privately? (In the Messenger mode) What do I do if someone hurts me? Hold a grudge indefinitely? (Mode: stone heart) - Pardon them and pray for them? (Heart mode of the Quran) I’ll be honest, I fail sometimes.  But what about Islam's beauty? Every day presents an opportunity to grow.   

4.  Small Deeds, Big Rewards Good manners aren’t just "nice," they’re worship.  

The Prophet (PBUH) declared: > "A smile at your brother is charity."(Sahih Muslim) Yes, Sadaqah includes even a smile! Other easy ways to improve your Akhlaq include: - Even if it feels awkward, send your parents a "I love you" text message. Do not open the door to a stranger. Write a thoughtful note to your spouse.  Give up your seat with a smile

   5.  A Personal Struggle: My Anger Problem  

 In the past, I lacked patience. Traffic jams?  My ears are full of steam. Someone interrupts me.  Instant irritation. 

 After that, I read this Hadith: > "The strong is not the one who overcomes people, but the one who controls himself in anger."  (Sahih Bukhari) That hurt. Was I "weak" because I couldn’t control my temper?  

 Therefore, I started small:  Say "A'udhu billah" when you're enraged: "I seek refuge in Allah."  Make Wudu, it cools the fire of rage. I ask myself, "Will this be important in five years?" Progress, not perfection. 

    6.  The ultimate objective is to become a living Quran. 

People should see Islam in us before we even speak.  How?  

 - Our honesty makes them trust us.  

 - Our kindness makes them feel safe.  

 They are awestruck by our patience. The Prophet (PBBUH) declared: > "The one with the best character is the most perfect believer in faith." At-Tirmidhi, Sunan. Isn't that what every person wants? To be complete believers on every level?  

 Final Thoughts: A Challenge for All of Us. Let's make Ramadan this year or today! The beginning of the Akhlaq Revolution.  Your task, assuming you accept:   Pick ONE bad habit (gossip, anger, arrogance) and work on it.  Every day, do one extra act of kindness, even if it's just smiling. "Ya Allah, soften my heart and beautify my manners!" is a good dua to make. Because Islam is more than just what we do in the masjid, it also includes how we treat the outside world. Now, turn to me: What is one struggle you're working on for the akhlaq? Let’s support each other in the comments!  💬  

 "And use kind words to people..." (Quran 2:83)