When people met the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, they were touched not only by his message but by his character. Allah says about him: "And indeed, you are of a great moral character." (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4). Good manners (akhlaq) are not an extra in Islam – they are at the heart of it.
Good Character Is Heavy on the Scale
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Nothing is heavier on the scale of the believer on the Day of Resurrection than good character." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2002, Sunan Abi Dawud 4799)
He also said: "The best of you are those with the best character." (Sahih al-Bukhari 3559, Sahih Muslim 2321)
Seven Beautiful Manners for Every Muslim
1. Truthfulness
Always tell the truth, even when it is hard. The Prophet ﷺ was known as As-Sadiq al-Amin – the truthful and trustworthy – even before prophethood.
2. Smiling
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, 1956)
3. Kind Words
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6018, Sahih Muslim 47)
4. Mercy to Younger, Respect for Older
The Prophet ﷺ said: "He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and respect to our elders." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, 1919)
5. Controlling Anger
A man asked the Prophet ﷺ for advice. He said: "Do not become angry," and repeated it several times (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6116).
6. Being a Good Neighbour
Islam teaches great care for neighbours – Muslim or not. Share food, help when needed and avoid causing them any harm.
7. Keeping Promises
Allah says: "And fulfil every commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever (that about which one will be) questioned." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:34)
Akhlaq Is Our Best Da'wah
For Muslims living in the USA, Canada and the UK, our character is often the first thing our classmates, colleagues and neighbours learn about Islam. A kind, honest Muslim can open hearts more than many words.
For Families: A "Manner of the Week"
Choose one manner each week. Write it on the fridge, practise it together and talk at dinner about how everyone did. Reward children with praise for good character – it matters more than grades.
Quran and Character Go Together
'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) described the Prophet's character by saying: "His character was the Quran." (Sahih Muslim, 746). At Tehfiz-ul-Quran Academy, our teachers nurture both Quran and good manners in one-on-one online classes. Book a 3-day free trial.