The Value Of Good Manners

Akhlaq means disposition and character. Part of the Akhlaq is called ‘Akhlaq-e Hamidah’ (praised manners) as they are highly appreciated, such as humbleness, courage, generosity, and truthfulness. Some part of it is called ‘Akhlaq-e Dhameemah’ (blameworthy manners) as they are condemned and criticised, such as slandering, pride, greed, telling lies, and gossiping.
The significance of Akhlaq cannot be truly appreciated. The success of humanity depends on Akhlaq. Akhlaq enables humankind to attain perfection and happiness and to live purely. Good manners are so invaluable that they enliven the environment in which they exist and elevate those who possess them to lofty ranks and stations. Deprivation in good manners, on the other hand, is the biggest calamity.
The sun of virtue does not shine on societies that lack akhlaq, nor do the stars of bliss twinkle, nor do the brooks of spiritual progress babble. The traces of real civilization cannot be seen in such societies.
The social life of humanity is a perfect witness to the importance and value of Akhlaq. The most prosperous, peaceful, and happiest eras for nations, when we look at history, were the eras when they possessed good moral values. Whenever they abandoned those refined values, they underwent many ordeals, suffered in many ways, and perished.
Hence, Islam emphasizes the importance of Akhlaq. The Prophet Sallallâhu Alayhi Wa Sallam used to supplicate, “O Rabb (Lord)! I ask from Your Holy Being good health, wellbeing and good Akhlaq”.At another occasion, Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wa Sallam also said, “The greatest thing Allâh Ta‘âlâ created is a good character. The happiness of man is with good character. Bad character is regarded as the shaqawah (misery) of man.” These Hadith Sharifs are enough to show the grandness of Akhlaq.