Hadith #917

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The means of purifying [one’s] character is good etiquette.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of cultivating good manners and etiquette as a means to purify and refine one's character.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tazkiyah) "تَزْكِيَةِ" refers to purification or cleansing. It signifies the process of purifying oneself from negative traits and impurities, both internally and externally. In this context, it refers to the purification of one's character.

The word (akhlaq) "أخلاقِ" refers to one's moral character and behavior. It encompasses a person's virtues, ethics, and manners. It is through our akhlaq that we interact with others and demonstrate our true character.

The phrase (husn al-adab) "حُسْنُ الأدَبِ" translates to good etiquette or manners. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors, such as kindness, respect, humility, patience, and honesty. Good etiquette reflects a person's inner beauty and righteousness.

To further understand the significance of good etiquette in purifying one's character, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 verse highlights the importance of knowing and understanding one another, which can only be achieved through good etiquette and manners. By treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy, we build bridges of understanding and foster harmonious relationships within society. This not only purifies our own character but also contributes to the betterment of the entire community.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), saying,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was known for his impeccable manners and etiquette. His character was a shining example for all Muslims to follow.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the gate to the city of knowledge, possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. He understood the profound impact of good etiquette on one's character. By embodying good manners, one not only purifies their own soul but also inspires others to do the same.

Practicing good etiquette has far-reaching consequences. It enhances our relationships with family, friends, and society at large. It fosters an atmosphere of love, harmony, and understanding. Good etiquette also helps us navigate through challenging situations with grace and patience.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of constantly striving to improve our character through good etiquette. It is not enough to possess knowledge or perform acts of worship; our character must reflect the teachings of Islam. By embodying good manners, we purify our souls and become true representatives of our faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the means of purifying our character is through good etiquette. By practicing kindness, respect, and empathy, we not only purify ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Islam in our daily interactions and purify our character through the practice of good manners. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness.