Islamic etiquette, attitude and manners
Adab, the Islamic code of behaviour in social life
Section B · Early Muslim Community
Islam provides detailed guidance on social behaviour, speech and manners, collectively known as adab. Rooted in the Qur'an and Sunnah, Islamic etiquette covers how Muslims should treat others, the prohibitions on harmful speech such as backbiting (ghiba) and slander, and correct manners when eating and in daily social interactions.
Key Points
- 1Adab refers to Islamic etiquette and good manners, a comprehensive code of behaviour grounded in the Qur'an and Sunnah
- 2Islamic etiquette in relations with others includes: greeting with Salaam, treating all people with respect, visiting the sick, and showing compassion to neighbours
- 3The Qur'an (49:11-13) forbids mocking others, offensive nicknames, backbiting (ghiba), and negative assumptions (su'zann)
- 4Ghiba (backbiting), speaking negatively about someone in their absence, is compared in the Qur'an to eating a dead person's flesh (49:12)
- 5Namima (tale-bearing or slander), spreading information to cause conflict, is strictly forbidden
- 6Islamic manners when eating include: saying Bismillah before eating, eating with the right hand, not wasting food, and observing Halal dietary requirements
- 7Qur'an 49:13 teaches that all humans are equal before Allah, the only distinction is taqwa (righteousness), making racism and tribalism un-Islamic
- 8The Prophet said 'The most perfect of believers in faith is the best of them in moral character', showing that ethics and faith are inseparable in Islam
Key Terms
Adab
Islamic etiquette and good manners, the code of correct behaviour in Islam, including social interactions, speech, eating, and relationships. Rooted in the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Ghiba
Backbiting, speaking negatively about someone in their absence. Strictly forbidden in Islam (Qur'an 49:12), described as equivalent to eating a dead person's flesh.
Namima
Tale-bearing or slander, spreading information between people to cause conflict. Considered a major sin in Islam.
Su'zann
Negative assumptions or suspicion about others without basis. Forbidden in Qur'an 49:12: 'avoid much negative assumption, indeed, some assumption is sin.'
Bismillah
'In the name of Allah', the phrase Muslims say before eating, drinking and beginning any action. Reflects constant awareness of Allah in daily life.
Taqwa
God-consciousness or righteousness, constant awareness of Allah that motivates good behaviour and avoidance of sin. Qur'an 49:13 says taqwa is the only measure of true honour before Allah.
Ihsan
Excellence in character, doing good in the best possible way, as if Allah is watching. The Prophet defined it as: 'Worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you don't see Him, know that He sees you.'
Exam Passage
Qur'an 49:11-13
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.
This passage is used in the (d) assess question for this topic. Learn it carefully.
Exam Tips
Explain · 6 marks
For 'explain why Islamic etiquette in the treatment of other people is important for all Muslims', THREE points. E.g.: (1) Qur'an 49:13 teaches all humans are equal, treating others well follows from this; (2) the Prophet modelled perfect adab, so following it means following his Sunnah; (3) good manners strengthen the Ummah and give a positive image of Islam. Fact + explanation.
Assess · 12 marks
Qur'an 49:11-13 (the assigned passage) covers three themes: no mockery, no backbiting, all humans are equal. Use all three to support arguments. For a 12-mark question: AGREE, Islamic manners shape a just and compassionate society; DISAGREE/NUANCE, manners are important but many Muslims would argue beliefs (Tawhid, Akhirah) matter more. Include own/others' views.
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Related Topics
Shari'ah
Islamic etiquette is part of Shari'ah, the guidelines on speech and behaviour derive from the same sources
Teachings and example of the Prophet on specific issues of justice and equality
The Prophet's teachings on justice and equality (1.6) directly link to the equal treatment of all people taught in 49:13
Muslim citizenship and religious and political leadership
Muslim citizenship requires applying Islamic etiquette in wider society