“Courtesy is a small act, but it packs a mighty wallop.”
Lewis Carroll
“Courtesy” means displaying good manners and polite behaviour. One who shows courtesy is referred to as a courteous person. Being courteous is essential for everyone. Courtesy also characterizes the practice of ideal moral and social behavior with others. Someone rightly said, “Courtesy costs nothing, but buys everything.” This moral value has been guiding mankind through all stages of civilization.
We must show courtesy in every aspect of life. We must be courteous towards our elders, our seniors, our youngsters, our neighbours, and our relatives. It is the law of nature, ” As you sow, so shall you reap.” This proverb clearly indicates that if you are courteous towards others, then others will behave the same way. It may not be conceivable that you are impolite, rude, and offensive and expect others to behave nicely with you.
“Courtesy is contagious – let’s start an epidemic.”
Evan Esar.
Islam is composed of the proper measures of grace, courtesy, and good manners. That’s why beautiful manners are the most essential requirement of the traveller of the straight path. A Muslim cannot be both pious and quarrelsome or unkind. A person who offers his daily prayers in mosques on time and with the utmost diligence, but when it comes to dealing with other people in his daily matters, he is the worst.
There is no one in a reasonable manner other than our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allah made him (SAW) the best and perfect example for mankind and sent him only to perfect moral values. Allah said in the Holy Quran:
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
(Quran,68:4)
A Muslim greeting is a kind of wish, a prayer for mutual understanding, peace, and a healthy relationship. When two Muslims meet, they greet each other by saying ‘Assalam o Alaikum’, which means, “May Allah bless you with peace and protection.” Then they shake hands and embrace, which creates intimacy and sincerity.
“Courtesy takes nothing but gives a lot.”
Hazrat Ali
Good etiquettes demand that we should not lose our temper over petty issues. On a crowded bus, we should offer our seats to elderly people, women, or disabled people with disabilities. We should always pay our thanks to those who give us a helping hand. Pardon, thanks, you are welcome, please, etc, are words we must use according to the situation. We must avoid negative and harsh comments about the forefront of the guests or colleagues.
It is parents’ duty to inculcate good habits in their children from childhood. It is essential that they become role models for their children and demonstrate through their behavior that they are true ambassadors of Islam. The children should be taught to be courteous towards their teachers and elders. One should be obliging and considerate to one’s neighbours. A teacher should be affectionate, modest, and sympathetic to their students. An employer should be caring to his employees, while the employees should be sincere, honest, and laborious in their job. If we become courteous, humble, and modest, then our community will become a perfect place for all of us. We have to keep in mind our beloved Prophet’s words:
“Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s good manners. “
(Bukhari)