The Manners of The Believers - Part 1: Are Manners Inherent or Acquired? | Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi

Summary

This video discusses the importance of noble manners (akhlaq) in Islam, emphasizing their significance in the eyes of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). The series highlights three key categories of akhlaq: with Allah, with others, and with oneself. The speaker explains how akhlaq can be cultivated through knowledge, role models, personal experiences, and constant prayer to Allah. While some aspects of akhlaq are innate, individuals can work to improve them through conscious effort. Ultimately, the speaker encourages striving for the best character and learning from the example of the Prophet.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) was sent by Allah to perfect noble manners (Makarimul Akhlaq).
• 😀 Akhlaq (manners) is an essential aspect of being a Muslim and can be categorized into three types: akhlaq with Allah, akhlaq with people, and akhlaq with oneself.
• 😀 The first category of akhlaq focuses on belief and trust in Allah (Tawakkul) and maintaining sincerity, love, and a positive outlook towards Allah.
• 😀 The second category is how we interact with others—being patient, just, forgiving, and maintaining a clean heart.
• 😀 The third category involves self-discipline and doing everything with perfection in one's personal life.
• 😀 Good manners (akhlaq) are sometimes more valuable than religious rituals (ibadat), as they can lead a person to the highest levels of Jannah (paradise).
• 😀 Akhlaq is partially inherited, but people can change their behavior through knowledge, role models, personal experiences, and du'a (prayers).
• 😀 The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) emphasized the importance of acquiring noble character traits such as controlling anger and thinking before acting.
• 😀 Changing one’s akhlaq requires effort and striving; knowledge, seeing examples of good manners, and applying them in daily life are essential steps.
• 😀 Allah distributes akhlaq like rizq (sustenance)—some people are naturally patient, while others may be more easily angered, but through effort, anyone can improve their manners.
• 😀 Striving to improve one's akhlaq and overcoming personal weaknesses is highly rewarded by Allah, and the effort put into mastering these traits can bring greater rewards than natural tendencies.

Q & A

What is the primary reason why the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) was sent to humanity?

The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) was sent to perfect noble manners (Makarimul akhlaq), as stated in the hadith, 'Inna ma bu'ithtu liutammima makarimal akhlaaq' which means, 'I have only been sent to perfect noble manners.'

What does the term 'akhlaq' refer to in the Islamic context?

Akhlaq refers to a person’s character or manners, which includes both their inner qualities and their outward behavior towards others. It is the plural of 'khuluq,' which is derived from the same root as 'khalq' (creation), where 'khalq' refers to the physical form, and 'khuluq' refers to inner characteristics.

How did the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) categorize akhlaq?

The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) categorized akhlaq into three main areas: 1) Akhlaq with Allah (faith, trust, and love for Allah), 2) Akhlaq with mankind (patience, justice, forgiveness, and having a clean heart), and 3) Akhlaq with oneself (doing things well and with excellence).

What is the difference between 'khalq' and 'khuluq'?

'Khalq' refers to a person’s outer form, such as their physical appearance, features, and size. 'Khuluq,' on the other hand, refers to a person’s inner characteristics or manners, such as how they interact with others and their personality traits.

How does the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) describe the importance of akhlaq in comparison to rituals?

The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) highlighted that good akhlaq could be more important than rituals, such as fasting or praying at night. He emphasized that akhlaq could sometimes outweigh rituals in terms of entering Jannah, with the heaviest deeds on the Day of Judgment being one's akhlaq.

Are akhlaq inherent or can they be developed?

Akhlaq are partially inherent, as Allah has distributed certain characteristics to individuals at birth, such as patience or anger. However, individuals also have the ability to develop and refine their akhlaq through effort, knowledge, practice, and prayer.

What advice did the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) give to Ash'ath ibn Qays regarding akhlaq?

The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) praised Ash'ath ibn Qays for his control over anger and his ability to think before acting, two qualities that Allah loves. When Ash'ath asked whether he acquired these qualities naturally or through effort, the Prophet confirmed that they were blessings from Allah.

How can a person improve their akhlaq according to the speaker in the transcript?

A person can improve their akhlaq through four main approaches: 1) Gaining knowledge ('Ilm) about akhlaq and their importance, 2) Having role models (Uswah) to observe and learn from, 3) Applying what is learned through personal experience and practice, and 4) Making du’a (supplication) to Allah for guidance and improvement.

What is the significance of the du'a that the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to make regarding akhlaq?

The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) made du'a to Allah to guide him to the best of akhlaq and to protect him from bad manners. The du'a emphasizes the need for Allah’s guidance in improving one's character and understanding that no one can perfect their akhlaq without Allah's help.

What is the reward for someone who improves their akhlaq, especially if it was a weakness they struggled with?

The reward for someone who improves their akhlaq, especially in areas where they had natural weaknesses, is greater. The person who works to overcome their innate flaws, such as controlling anger or being more patient, will receive a higher reward from Allah for their efforts compared to someone who naturally excels in that area.