Islamic Etiquette: Manners of the Prophet (SAW)

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: 'I was only sent to perfect righteous character.' (Ahmad) His entire life was a living example of Islamic adab (etiquette) in every situation. **Greeting (Salam)** Always initiate Salam — 'Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.' The full greeting multiplies the reward to 30 good deeds. The Prophet (SAW) would always greet first. **Table Manners** - Say Bismillah before eating - Eat with the right hand - Eat from what is nearest to you - Do not blow on hot food - Say Alhamdulillah after finishing **Visiting the Sick** The Prophet (SAW) regularly visited the sick, regardless of their religion. He would say: 'La ba's, Tahurun in sha Allah' (No harm; it is a purification, if Allah wills). **With Neighbors** Jibreel (AS) emphasized the rights of neighbors so often that the Prophet (SAW) thought they would inherit! Share food, avoid causing harm, check on them regularly. **In the Mosque** - Enter with right foot saying Bismillah - Pray two rakats of Tahiyyat al-Masjid upon entering - Keep voice low - Leave with left foot **On the Road** The Prophet (SAW) listed road rights: lower your gaze, remove harm, return greetings, command good, forbid evil, guide the lost. **During Umrah** The Haram calls for the highest level of adab: patience in crowds, kindness to fellow pilgrims, no argument or foul speech. 'Whosoever performs Hajj and does not speak obscenely or act wickedly will return as on the day his mother bore him.' (Bukhari)