Although Islam has clearly differentiated the right from the wrong, but to Muslims it has given instructions to call spade a spade in the most moderate way possible. Besides the distinctions, the major emphasis of Islam is on the moral and ethical development of Muslims.
The prevalent trend among Muslims is that they are just insistent on discriminating Muslims from non-Muslims and thwarting them in any way possible, instead of working and thinking on their own morals and manners.
If the importance of ethics and manners be traced in Islam, then it goes well before the official announcement of Prophet (PBUH) as a Prophet. All His life he was reverend among Quraish for His character and values. Thus Allah Almighty first established Prophet’s (PBUH) character among the masses, and then told Him to announce His Prophecy.
The hadith of Prophet (PBUH) also emphasizes on the matter of manners:
“The most perfect of believers, in the point of faith, is he, who is the best in manners.” (Abu Dawud)
This hadith of Prophet (PBUH) clearly mentioned that the among believers, the one who is the best in manners is the perfect in faith.
The point to ponder in this hadith is that the Prophet (PBUH) did not say that the one who is good in manner pertaining to Muslims, rather he said it general, which includes both Muslims and non-Muslims. Therefore, it is imperative for Muslims to treat the non-Muslims with respect and honor, regardless of their beliefs yet they are humans. And besides the bond of religion, we also share a bond of humanity.
Therefore, Islam wants its disciples to be good Muslims, which one can become by doing the Islamic acts such as recitation of Quran, saying prayers, going to Hajj and so on, but according to Islam, a Muslim can be a good Muslim only when he is a good human being as well. And when it comes to humanity one has to feel for and respect other people in the surroundings regardless of their religious inclinations.
The prevalent trend among Muslims is that they are just insistent on discriminating Muslims from non-Muslims and thwarting them in any way possible, instead of working and thinking on their own morals and manners.
If the importance of ethics and manners be traced in Islam, then it goes well before the official announcement of Prophet (PBUH) as a Prophet. All His life he was reverend among Quraish for His character and values. Thus Allah Almighty first established Prophet’s (PBUH) character among the masses, and then told Him to announce His Prophecy.
The hadith of Prophet (PBUH) also emphasizes on the matter of manners:
“The most perfect of believers, in the point of faith, is he, who is the best in manners.” (Abu Dawud)
This hadith of Prophet (PBUH) clearly mentioned that the among believers, the one who is the best in manners is the perfect in faith.
The point to ponder in this hadith is that the Prophet (PBUH) did not say that the one who is good in manner pertaining to Muslims, rather he said it general, which includes both Muslims and non-Muslims. Therefore, it is imperative for Muslims to treat the non-Muslims with respect and honor, regardless of their beliefs yet they are humans. And besides the bond of religion, we also share a bond of humanity.
Therefore, Islam wants its disciples to be good Muslims, which one can become by doing the Islamic acts such as recitation of Quran, saying prayers, going to Hajj and so on, but according to Islam, a Muslim can be a good Muslim only when he is a good human being as well. And when it comes to humanity one has to feel for and respect other people in the surroundings regardless of their religious inclinations.