THE CIVILIZED BEHAVIOUR

Dear Muslims,

Please know that good conducts are one of the most important pillars for building civilisations. With good ethics communities become more coherent and stronger. This was illustrated by the Prophet pbuh when he said, "Indeed, I was sent to perfect good manners."

Good morals are the foundation of civilisations and with them nations develop. Indeed, the prosperity of a community is firmly linked to the civilised values embraced by its members and their adherence to them.

Allah, the Almighty, with His Wisdom has decreed that good deeds which are beneficial to people are the durable ones. He says, "as for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allah present examples." (Ar-Raad: 17).

Going deeper into the meaning of human civilised behaviour, it is the product of a person's noble characters which translate into an ideal way of speaking to and treating others. Those emanate from one's uppermost values and decent merits that respect the norms and traditions of their community and adhere to its laws and regulations. These would also be set according to certain standards that are laid down for the best interests of human beings in this world and in the Hereafter.

In this context, amongst of the finest manners are the good word of mouth and being kind when dealing with others. These are the same principles highlighted by our tolerant religion. Allah, the Almighty, says, "and speak to people good [words]." (Al-Baqara: 83). In the same regard, the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, "Behave well towards people."

Furthermore, in His Book, Allah, the Most Exalted, highlighted the importance of treating others decently. He says, "and if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you." (Al-Imran: 159).

To this effect, if a person commits a mistake, he is urged to apologise using the best of words and the finest and most likable expressions. One should also express sincere thanks and gratitude to others for excusing him. In return, we are expected to pardon others and accept their apologies if they mistreat us. This is because the culture of tolerance and justifying others' flaws is conducive to nurture a culture of constructive dialogue amongst people, which ultimately would enhance harmony and good ties within the community.

Other key qualities that are urged in this sense include cooperation on goodness and righteousness, extending helping hand during hardships as well as joyful occasions. Allah, the Most High, urges us to embrace such noble value for He says, "and cooperate in righteousness and piety." (Al-Maaida: 2).   

Such cooperation is built on mercy, kindness and knowing one another. Allah, the Almighty says, "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." (Al-Hujurat: 13).

Brothers and sisters;

There are many types and traits for the civilised behaviour, which covers all aspects of man's life. For instance, good appearance, nice clothing and cleanliness are amongst the key civilised behaviours that were emphasised in the holy Quran. Allah, the Most Exalted, says, "O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid." (Al-Aaraf: 31).

In like manner, the Prophet pbuh urged his companions, may Allah be pleased with them, to take good care of their appearance so as to be amongst the best looking people and set example to others.

On the other hand, the Messenger of Allah pbuh disapproved neglecting one's appearance. It was narrated that Jaber ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, "The Messenger of Allah pbuh paid visit to us, and saw a dishevelled man whose hair was disordered. He said, 'could this man not find something to put his hair in order?' He saw another man wearing dirty clothes and said, 'could this man not find something to wash his garments with?'"

On another level, one of the other good characters that the Messenger of Allah pbuh called for is respecting the road manners. He pbuh said, "Give the road its due right." Truly, honouring road manners represents a civilised behaviour that, in turn, embodies respect to the rights of road goers.

Abiding by the rules and regulations related to using the public areas has a great effect in highlighting polished and civilised conducts. More importantly, it is conducive to safeguard people's lives and keep them away from discomfort. As such, all those who use the public areas should embrace such civilised manners and be consistent on implementing them.

On another note, a civilised person would always seek to perfect his work and be committed to it. They would also strive to better themselves both in knowledge and skill. This way, one would deliver the best quality of work, innovate in their performance and ensure to make best use of their time as well as respect that of others by keeping appointments and fulfilling commitments. Allah, the Most Gracious, says, "and the covenant of Allah fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember." (Al-Anaam: 152).

This means Allah, the Almighty, instructs you to fulfil your promise and stressed on doing so that you may be guided. A covenant means a documented undertaking, while fulfilling the covenant means that a person does what one has promised to do. Indeed, honouring promises is a civilised and righteous behaviour that reflects sound thinking, strong character and respect to one's word of mouth.

Allah, the Most High, praised His Prophet Ismael puh for his honesty and commitment towards his promises. He says, "and mention in the Book, Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet." (Mariam: 54).

Furthermore, Allah, the Almighty, praises the people of understanding and wisdom as being committed to their word and fulfilling to their promises for He says, "they will only be reminded who are people of understanding, those who fulfil the covenant of Allah and do not break the contract." (Ar-Raad: 19-20).

Dear brothers and sisters;

Civilised behaviour is acquired from home and family. Naturally, children when born will be as clear as a white sheet of paper. The responsibility of filling such sheet lies with the parents who nurse them and nurture all good ethics into their minds and souls.

Parents are responsible for raising their children on good conducts and direct them to seek beneficial knowledge and high status. This is why parents are accountable towards Allah, the Most Gracious, for their kids on the Day of Judgment. Schools also carry equally important role in instilling the noble human values and behaviours in the minds and hearts of children. This is conducive to help the children in contributing to preserving their nation's civilisation and hone their skills and manners through positively interacting with others.

Please be aware, that the most important thing we should advise each other about is obeying Allah, the Most Glorious, as befitting to His Glorious Status, be steadfast on adhering to His orders, and know that civilised manners have a great positive impact on individuals. Through refined conducts one will, by Allah's grace, attain great provisions in this life and the next. Civilised people would earn Allah's satisfaction and people's respect and thereby be close to their heart.

On this account, the Prophet pbuh said, "If Allah loves a person, He calls Jibril (Gabriel) saying, 'Allah loves so and so; O Gabriel, love him.' Jibril would love him, and then Jibril would make an announcement among the dwellers of the Heaven, 'Allah loves so-and-so, therefore, you should love him also.' So, all the dwellers of the Heavens would love him and then he is granted the pleasure of the people of the earth."

Those who embrace good ethics would also, by Allah's favour, be successful in their work, excelling in their life, tolerant towards others and interactive with their real life, reflecting thereby a bright and praiseworthy image about their homeland.

Truly, when civilised conducts become the norm within a community, its members would cherish advancement, prosperity, maturity, strength and welfare. Thus, it is a duty incumbent on all of us to promote such civilised ethics and implement the principles of Islam, which represents the highest degrees of civilised behaviour.