Islam for Muslims
THE PERFECT MUSLIM
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:
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 alladzhee 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.
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:
- 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.
- Kindness and gentleness in a Muslim's dealings with others are essential.
- Cleanliness and purity of body, place, clothes, etc., should be one of the most conspicuous characteristics of Muslim life.
- Beauty, elegance, orderliness are values for the Muslim to observe, and whenever possible to attain.
- According to Islam, a good deed done with courtesy beautifies that deed; impudence, on the other hand, destroys the good in it.
- All a Muslim's deeds should express an attitude of humility and not arrogance.
- A Muslim is commanded to avoid any act that might harm himself or some other person, physically, mentally or morally.
- In the daily life of a Muslim, silence is preferred to unnecessary speaking.
- 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.
- A Muslim should never order or ask anyone to do something that he would not do himself.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Being generous and not mean or avaricious is a virtue.
- Gratitude to God should characterize a Muslim's life, whether He blesses or burdens him, and gratitude with patience and fortitude.
- A Muslim must be always faithful.
- In all aspects of life a Muslim must exercise moderation and be natural; unnaturalness and exaggeration are disapproved.
- A Muslim should be self-sufficient and should seek the help of other Muslims only when it is urgent and necessary.
- Copying or imitating other cultures and religions in any way is forbidden.
- 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.
- Maintaining sexual identity is most important. Imitation of men by women, or of women by men, in dress, manner of walking, etc. is forbidden.
- 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.
- 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.
