Islamic Manners

by Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah

Written by one of the most outstanding scholars of the 20th century, Islamic Manners is a vital book that exemplifies the sublime Islamic personality. Shaykh Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah (1917 - 1997) was a leading scholar in the field of hadeeth and strove not only in narrating prophetic traditions but also making it a living reality. This book discusses essential adab (manners) and covers the following
the scope of Islamic manners
importance of appearance
entering and leaving a house
the manners of visiting
the manners of conversation
social manners
communicating with non-Muslims
the manners of eating
weddings
visiting the sick and condolences.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction, Self Help

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

1917-1997. Shaykh Abdul Fattah bin Muhammad bin Bashir bin Hasan Abu Ghuddah (ra) was born in the city of Aleppo in the north of Syria in the year 1917 (CE).

He studied at the Islamic Arab Institue in Aleppo, and then at the Khesrevia Madrassah (now known as Shari'ah Secondary school). He graduated in 1942. He continued his pursuit of knowledge at Al-Azhar, in Cairo, in the school of Shari'ah between 1944 and 1948 in psychology and principles of education, faculty of Arabic language, and graduated from Al-Azhar in 1950.

After he had completed his studies in Egypt, Abu Ghuddah returned to Syria in 1951 where he was chosen as the leading teacher in Islamic Education, winning first prize. He taught Islamic Studies for eleven years in Aleppo, wrote text books in this field and also taught in Madrassah Sha'baniyah, a Shari'ah school specializing in producing scholars and orators. He then transferred to the College of Shari'ah in the University of Damascus, where he taught Usul Al-Fiqh, Hanafi Fiqh and Comparative Fiqh for three years.

After that he directed the production of an Encyclopaedia on Islamic Fiqh in the College of Shari'ah in Damascus for about two years, during which he also completed a Dictionary of Fiqh Al-Muhalla of Ibn Hazm which had been started by some of his colleagues. This was produced by the University of Damascus in two large volumes.

In 1962, he was elected as a member of Parliament for Aleppo City, despite the fierce opposition he faced from other contenders. He used this position to help and promote the interests of Islam and Muslims in Syria. He was imprisoned in 1966 and spent eleven months in prison with other scholars before being released in June 1967.

After his release, he returned to Aleppo, but eventually moved to Saudi Arabia. There he taught at Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University in Riyadh during the years 1965-1988. He also helped to develop and plan courses and programs at the University.

He was invited as a visiting Professor at Um Durman Islamic University in Sudan. He also participated in many seminars and conferences and also worked for a period in King Saud University in Riyadh.

In recognition of his scholarly achievement, Muslim scholars nominated him in 1995 for the Prize of Sultan Brunei for Islamic Studies. The prize was offered to him by the Oxford Centre for Islamic studies, in a ceremony in London attended personally by the Sultan and other dignitaries and scholars.

Abu Ghuddah passed away in the early hours of Sunday 9th Shawwal 1417 / 16th February 1997. He was buried in Jannat al-Baqi` in Madinat al-munawwara.

http://www.sunnah.org/history/Scholar...

Reviews

[Rama · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ In pointing out that manners rank higher than deeds, Imam Al-Qarafi.. said, “ You should know that a little or good manners is better than a lot of good actions.”

4/5- Read this because of the emphasis I’ve seen recently placed on the Muslim personality, and the idea of identifying members of the faith by their conduct in society. While I’ve been familiar with western ideals, I was hoping to see how they deviate from/ exclude those particular to Islam. This book was straight to the point, relatively verifiable, and a sound reminder of how to act. For those interested, here are a few key take-aways:

Appearance: it is imperative to greet guests and leave the home in clean and presentable clothing, regardless of how close you are to the individual. Cleanliness is part of the religion!

Entering/Leaving the home: enter silently while others are asleep, seek permission to enter into rooms even if they are your parents or siblings, and do not perform acts of worship loudly in the night if others are asleep.

Visiting: After knocking on the door, stand to the side and not directly in front of the door so as to not invade the privacy of the homeowner once the door is opened when they greet you. Additionally, once inside, do not look around as though you are inspecting, keep your sights close to the host so as to not disturb them or see something they have not intended you to see. Do not burden your hosts with requests and be a quick+easy guest. Keep appointments and be set to your word

Conversation: Select suitable topics and stray from idle discussions or gossip. Talk in a lowered tone so as to not disturb others, and listen intently as though you are hearing things for the first time even though it may not be the case. Give importance to those speaking and listen more than you talk. Do not swear by Allah SWT needlessly, and answer questions humbly.

Social manners: Respect your elders by seating them first, give priority as well to those with more knowledge than you, and serve from the right to the left unless these cases exist. Treat your parents with the highest respect and let them know where you are going before you leave, so as to not worry them. Accept gifts graciously and always give more than you have received.

Communicating with non-Muslims: “ One should demonstrate to all people the goodness of Islam with gentle manners and kind behaviour. None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” - this refers to brother in humanity, including all religions. Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and warmth.

Eating: Be modest in your portions as wasting food is un-Islamic. Eat with your right hand and always begin with the name of God, ending with thanks to Him.

Visiting the Sick: Visit the sick often, regardless of their faith, and wish for their health. The duty of each Muslim is to visit others in time of illness as it will enhance and nourish that bond, making the other feel less alone. Pray for the sick, do not overstay your welcome, and remember that without illness we would not recognise the blessing of good health.

Travelling: Study the rules of prayer and fasting during travel, bring gifts to those you are visiting.

Overall, thought this was a good quick read and serves as an introduction to Prophetic values and social conduct. Would recommend!

[Abu Kamdar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem and should be part of every Muslim home's library.

[Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ngắn gọn, súc tích, có dẫn chứng từ nhiều nguồn tài liệu tin cậy. Sách tập hợp sinh hoạt hàng ngày cùng với những ứng xử, lời nói phù hợp với phong cách của người Hồi giáo. Dù sách viết tập trung vào người theo Đạo Hồi, nhưng những bài học về hành vi ứng xử khá hay cho tất cả mọi người.

[سمية · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Islam, manners are very important yet most of those manners have been ignored by many Muslims. Even though, manners are more important than good deeds! Rwúaim, the righteous scholar, told his son, “Focus on good deeds like salt and manners like flour”. This book covers the rights of the elderly and the kindness we owe to children if we want to be like the Prophet SAW. Another aspect this book covered was cleanliness, how it is wrong to not take a shower for more than a week, Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “It is a duty for Allah upon every Muslim to perform a ritual bath at least once every seven days, washing his head and his body.” Personally, one of the significant lessons in this book was manners of conversation and social manners. This book needs to be read by Muslim parents to their children so they can learn the importance of manners and implement them in their lives from a young age.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it seems strange to read about good manners but I was surprised to learn there are many forgotten etiquettes that we owe not just to ourselves, but our family, friends and the society. You may complete every obligatory prayer but if you lack good character, it means nothing. This little book is definitely one keep around and read every now and then as a reminder.
“Islam advocates these etiquette and stresses it so as to perfect the Islamic personality and to bring about harmony among people. There is no doubt that embodying such manners and virtues enhances personal style and qualities, refines the character and brings us closer to the hearts and minds of others.”

[Azhar Uddin Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books in the field of manners.

[Ragad · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I bought this book, read the first couple of pages, and then left it on my bedside table and almost forgot about it. As a muslim, I think this book is very informative and clear, especially when it comes to how one should behave or act towards certain aspects that reflect the marvels of life. I like how it’s straightforward, simple, and how it gives examples by quoting hadiths and stories about the Prophet.

I found this book very easy to read; knowledge-wise, mostly because I already know all the information it covers. However, I think this book would be great for someone who isn’t Muslim and would like to educate themselves. Or maybe someone who is Muslim and doesn’t really know all this information. Or both. Or none at all. It’s a book for everyone, really.

Overall, I liked it. It’s great. Read it.

[Ajmal Ahmedh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a concise overview of Islamic manners in various social situations, offering wisdom and practical advice that even non-Muslims may find inspiring and adoptable. The principles discussed promote good manners rooted in common sense and respectful interaction.

Every Muslim should read at least this short and precise text by this scholar Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah. This provides valuable guidance for cultivating positive behavior in everyday life.

[Tahsin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book as a kid first. My uncle gifted this to me and wanted me to read it.

This book has depicted various mannerisms we should follow not just because we are muslims but also we want to be decent human beings. And as manners are a daily part of our doings, which eventually marks our characters, its really necessary to know these manners, and obviously follow them.

[Al- Mubin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Etiquette is an important matter for every Muslim. Everyone's character traits and behaviours are not the same. But the author has tried to show in this book what the character traits of a Muslim or believer should be, and what manners and customs should be followed.

May Allah Almighty accept this effort of the author. amen

[Hamad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written and in order fashion with proper hadith referencing. Do read this one ! Even if you are not a Muslim and would like to learn the mannerism ( which in any way won't interfere with your beliefs ) , this is a good book to pick !

[FluffyPolarBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bismillah

A quick short read filled with gems of forgotten but beautiful etiquettes in Islam. We tend to forget how much Islam stresses good character or we may take it lightly. This book is a very essential reminder and a recommended read for all May Allah reward the author.

[Emina Karisik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read about how Muslim should behave in different settings. It sheds light onto almost forgotten mannerism within Islam such as behaviour with elders and visiting the sick.

[Ashikur Rahman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book Alhamdulillah

[Nora Alfaham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A necessary book for any Muslim to learn basic manners (adaab) in their day to day lives, as taught and perfected by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The book includes sections about:

Importance of Appearance
Entering and Leaving a House
The Manners of Visiting
The Manners of Conversation
Social Manners
Dealing with non-Muslims
The Manners of Eating and Drinking
Weddings
Visiting a Sick Person
Condolences

[Chicha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beneficial!!