Good Character

A comprehensive guide to manners and morals in Islam

Based on the teaching of the Qur’an and the good examples set by the Prophet Muhammad, this collection of protocol describes exactly how Muslims must conduct themselves in certain situations such as greeting family and friends, eating, and visiting the sick and why proper conduct is such an important pillar of the Islamic faith.

Table of Content

Foreword
Preface
Chapter 1: Character and Ethics
Building Good Character
The Nature and Types of Duty
Divinely-Ordained Duties
Individual Duties
Family Duties
Social Duties
The Ethics of Decent Behavior in Islam
The word adab
The word muasharat (social etiquette)
Chapter 2: Good Education and Upbringing
Studying and Learning
Teacher–Student Relations
Proper Attitude towards Scholars
Teacher Etiquette
Student Etiquette
Practicing Good Conduct in the Family
Treating Children with Compassion
Respect
Treating the Elderly with Respect
Kissing the Hands of the Elderly and Esteemed People
Proper Attitudes Towards Parents
Care of Kin
Jealousy and Rivalry Among Siblings
Respecting Privacy at Home
Sleep
Cleanliness
Clothing and Outer Appearance
Chapter 3: What Good Character Requires
Hilm (Gentleness)
The Hilm (Gentleness) of the Prophet
Defusing Hatred and Animosity
Returning Evil with Good
Modesty, Shyness, and Feeling Ashamed of Wrong Acts
Truthfulness
Honesty in Speech
Honesty of Character
Honesty in Business
Humor and Jokes
Teasing and Mocking
Making a Mockery of Faith
Showing Off
The Subject of Ostentation in the Hadith
Ostentation and Exceptional Circumstances
Trustworthiness
Keeping Secrets
Avoiding the Evils of the Tongue
Gossiping and Tale Bearing
Avoiding an Evil Attitude Toward Others
The Subject of Hasad in the Qur’an
Protecting Oneself against the Ill Will of Others
The Subject of Hasad in the Hadith
Neutralizing Hasad
Safeguarding the Good Name of Others
Verifying What One Hears
Chapter 4: Promoting Good Character in Social Life
Greeting
Shaking Hands
Breaking off Relations
Praying for Blessings upon Sneezing
Etiquette of Advising Others and Public Speaking
The Rights of Neighbors
Visiting Friends
Asking for Permission
Accepting Invitations
Being Clean and Polite at Gatherings
Visiting the Sick
Funeral Etiquette
Visiting Graves
Good Will and Helping Others
Mosque Etiquette
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index