Good Character: A Comprehensive Guide to Manners and Morals in Islam

Good character is at the heart of Islam. It is not inherited; it is learned, practised, and lived. This comprehensive guide shows how faith is expressed through manners, ethics, and daily conduct. A highly recommended read for all. 

An excellent book that covers:

• Character and Ethics
• Good Education and Upbringing
• What Good Character Requires
• Promoting Good Character in Social Life

Character and Ethics covers building good character and the duties upon us, including family, social, individual, and divinely ordained responsibilities. It also explores the ethics of decent behaviour in Islam, including the concept of adab and the principles of muʿāsharah (social conduct).

Good Education and Upbringing covers studying and learning, teacher–student relationships, and the proper attitude towards scholars. It discusses etiquette for both teachers and students, conduct within the family, treating children with compassion and respect, maintaining a proper attitude towards people, caring for relatives, dealing with jealousy and rivalry among siblings, respecting privacy at home, and guidance on sleep, cleanliness, clothing, and outward appearance.

Chapter 3 covers ḥilm (gentleness), the ḥilm of the Prophet ﷺ, defusing hatred, returning evil with good, modesty and shyness, feeling ashamed of wrongdoing, honesty in speech, character and business dealings. It also addresses humour and jokes, teasing and mocking, making a mockery of faith and what this entails, showing off and ostentation, trustworthiness, avoiding the evils of the tongue, understanding ḥasad (envy), and verifying what one hears.

The final chapter covers greetings, shaking hands, maintaining relationships, sneezing etiquette, giving advice and public speaking, the rights of neighbours, visiting friends, seeking permission, accepting invitations, cleanliness and politeness in gatherings, visiting the sick, funeral etiquette, visiting graves, goodwill and helping others, and mosque etiquette.