Verily, the best of you are those who have the best manners

Arabic text

عن عبد الله بن عمرو رضي الله عنهما قال: لَمْ يَكُنِ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَاحِشًا وَلَا مُتَفَحِّشًا، وَكَانَ يَقُولُ: «إِنَّ مِنْ خِيَارِكُمْ أَحْسَنَكُمْ أَخْلَاقًا».

Translation

‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was neither obscene, nor would he use obscene language, and he used to say: "Verily, the best of you are those who have the best manners."

Explanation

It was not part of the Prophet's character to speak or act indecently, nor would he deliberately do that. Indeed, he was of exemplary good character. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to say: The best among you in the sight of Allah are those who possess the best manners; in doing good, having a smiling face, refraining from harming others and bearing harm from them, and associating with people in a pleasant manner.

Benefits

• A believer is required to keep away from improper speech and reprehensible acts.
• The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) possessed perfect manners, and he would only do and say what was good.
• Good manners are an arena of competition among the believers. Whoever surpasses others in this regard is one of the best believers and has the most perfect faith among them.

Topics

• Virtues and Manners
• Jurisprudence of Ethics
• Praiseworthy Morals