“Prophetic Etiquette: Timeless Lessons in Manners from the Life of Muhammad ﷺ”
Prophetic Etiquette: Manners Taught by Muhammad ﷺ
✨ Introduction
What if I told you that the most elegant etiquette course in history wasn’t taught in Paris or London... but in the deserts of Arabia?
Long before the world embraced forks and formalities, a man in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula demonstrated a code of manners so refined, so balanced, that even today’s most polished societies strive to match it.
This wasn’t just etiquette.
It was revelation.
It was the prophetic path of Muhammad ﷺ — the greatest teacher of manners the world has ever known.
In this article, we rediscover the beauty of everyday Islamic etiquette—from how we walk, talk, eat, and greet—through the lens of the Prophet’s timeless example.
1. Personal Grooming & Appearance
Islam emphasizes clean clothes, good hygiene, and attire that matches the occasion:
- “O Children of Adam, wear your beautiful garments at every masjid…” (Qur'an 7:31)
- “God loves those who repent and those who purify themselves.” (Qur'an 2:222)
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “Purity is half of faith.”
- He also said: “Allah is beautiful and loves beauty.”
2. Speech & Dialogue
Polite conversation, a soft tone, and respect for the speaker are encouraged:
- “Lower your voice; the most disagreeable voice is that of the donkey.” (Qur'an 31:19)
- “Speak kindly to people.” (Qur'an 2:83)
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.”
3. Greetings & Salam
Proper salutations, especially from younger to elder, are Islamic etiquette:
- “Their greeting therein will be ‘Peace!’” (Qur'an 33:44)
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “When you enter your house, greet your family; it brings blessings.”
- He also said: “The traveler greets the sitter, and the walker greets the standing—low to high.”
4. Handshakes
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no two Muslims who meet and shake hands except their sins are forgiven before they part.”
5. Posture & Walking
- “Do not walk on the earth with arrogance…” (Qur'an 17:37)
- “And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice…” (Qur'an 31:19)
6. Table Manners
- “Eat and drink but be not extravagant…” (Qur'an 7:31)
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “O young man, say Bismillah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is next to you.”
7. Public Behavior
- “Do not walk on the earth exultantly…” (Qur'an 17:37)
- The Prophet ﷺ encouraged: “Give way to pedestrians…”
8. Visiting Etiquette
- “O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own… unless given permission…” (Qur'an 24:27–28)
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “If one of you visits his brother, he should sit where he’s invited.”
✅ Conclusion
True etiquette is not about impressing people—it’s about honoring them.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught a generation of desert dwellers how to shine with the polish of paradise.
He showed the world that beauty lies in cleanliness, that kindness begins with a smile, and that dignity walks softly on the earth.
These are not just Islamic teachings—they are human treasures.
So let us relearn what we once knew.
Let us walk the prophetic path, not just in ritual, but in rhythm.
If this message touched your heart, share it. For manners, like light, only grow when passed on.
