Introduction
Muslims believe that Allah is the Most Wise and because He created us, He knows more about what is good for us physically, spiritually and emotionally than we could ever know ourselves. Thus, He has advised us as to how we should go about undertaking every aspect of our lives so that we may live in harmony with our bodies, our souls, each other and the environment around us and receive more reward in the Hereafter.
This is a blessing that has been given to us by Allah, for if He did not guide us, we would constantly be trying to guess or make decisions about which way is the best way to do something. This way, we know we are doing something in the best way and don't need to ask these questions, because The One with infinitely more knowledge has told us the answers already.
Some of Allah's advice and commandments are given in the Holy Qur'an. However, because Islam is a way of life, not just a theory to be read about, much of Allah's guidelines for mankind are shown to us through the actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Who better to show us the best way to live our lives than through a human being who faces trials and encounters many different situations, just like ourselves?
Like any advice, it is always up to the individual to take heed and use it wisely. Just as a doctor may advise his/her patient to lose weight, do more exercise or take their medication, the doctor does not force this upon the patient. In the end, the patient either chooses to recognise the fact that the doctor has far more knowledge about the human body than they themselves do and realise that the advice is for their own good, or they choose to ignore it and potentially get in difficulties somewhere down the line as a result of their decision.
We may not always like or appreciate the wisdom in the doctor's advice because perhaps we have our weaknesses (such as chocolate), dislike exercising or can't be bothered taking our medicine. However, we may choose to follow doctor's orders because we realise that it is for our own good and once we become disciplined it becomes easy, a pleasurable habit and we start to see the many benefits and the wisdom in the advice. This is similar in a way to the advice and guidelines Allah has given us. Nothing Allah asks of us could ever do anything but benefit us, either in this life on Earth, in the Hereafter, or both.
Allah says in the Qur'an:
"...and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know."
(Al-Baqarah, 2: 216)
Keeping this in mind, what follows are some of the Islamic etiquettes that Allah has prescribed for us relating to different activities or situations. In most cases the etiquettes are voluntary and should not be seen as obligatory. However, we should attempt to live our lives by these etiquettes as they form the basis of good manners, morality and behaviour that are far superior and nobler than all others.
Note: The list below and its contents are by no means exhaustive and Insha-Allah (God willing) more will be added in time.
Read about Islamic etiquettes relating to:
