Good behaviour to all

From the morals and manners of the Salaf was that they would behave well towards the young, non-relative and the ignorant, let alone towards the elders, relatives and knowledgeable.

Allaah said to Moses and Haaroon (peace be upon them) “And say to him (Pharaoh) a soft word.”1

That is not disregarding that Pharaoh was of the most corrupt disbelievers. The Salaf agreed that a high status depends on good character and manners.

Of their principles concerning manners is their witnessing their own deficiencies and correctness in others. However, if someone sees himself as perfect seeing others’ shortcomings, this gives rise to arrogance, may Allaah protect us.

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu’alaihi wa sallam) said, “I have only been sent to perfect righteous manners.”2

‘Ali ibn Abee Taalib (radhiAllaahu’anhu) said, “The people who are most learned about Allaah are those who respect most the people of Laa ilaaha illallaah (there is none worthy of worship except Allaah).”

Bakr ibn ‘Abdullaah al-Muzani (rahimahullaah) said, “If you see someone older than you, then respect him saying, “He has beaten me to Islaam and righteous action.” If you see someone younger than you, then respect him saying to yourself, “I have beaten him in sins.” If the people honour you then say, “That is from the grace of Allaah, but I do not deserve it.” If they degrade you then say, “This happened as a consequence of a previous sin.” If you throw a pebble at your neighbour’s dog, then you have harmed him.”

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1. Soorah TaHa (20) : 44
2. Collected in “Al-Adaab-ul-Mufraad” (1/271) by al-Bukhaari, and by al-Haakim in at-Taareekh (2/613) saying : it is Saheeh according to the conditions of imam Muslim. Al-Albaani said in “As-Saheehah” (no.45): This chain is saheeh.