Islamic etiquette, attitude and manners
Identify two behaviours that Qur'an 49:11-13 forbids among believers.
Describe what Islam teaches about good manners and respectful behaviour towards others.
Explain why good Islamic etiquette and manners are important for Muslims.
First point
Make your first point: explain what adab (Islamic etiquette) means and how the specific prohibitions in Qur'an 49 protect the bonds of the Muslim community.
Second point
Make your second point: explain how the Qur'an's teaching that all humans are created from one pair establishes a theological basis for respectful behaviour.
Third point
Make your third point: explain how the principle that taqwa (God-consciousness) is the sole measure of true nobility shapes Muslim social attitudes.
'The most important teaching of Qur'an 49:11-13 is that all humans are equal in the sight of Allah.' Assess this statement. You should refer to the significance of the passage provided, using your own or others' views to support your answer.
Passage: refer to this in your answer
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers. O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead (صلى الله عليه وسلم) You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.
Suggested length: 250–350 words
Writing guides
- 1Agree: argue why the declaration that the most noble person is the most righteous, regardless of background, is the most important and foundational teaching of this passage.
- 2Further agree: explain how the prohibitions on mockery and backbiting in the same passage serve to protect this principle of equality in daily practical life.
- 3Disagree: consider whether the practical prohibitions on harmful speech, backbiting, spying, mockery, are equally or more important, since they directly govern Muslim behaviour.
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