Etiquettes with non-Muslims
We live in a country where we come into contact with non-Muslims on a daily basis. How should we behave around them? What is appropriate for us and what is disliked? In this article we briefly touch upon some important aspects regarding how a Muslim should conduct themselves when dealing with non-Muslims.
Allah SWT mentions in the Holy Qur'an: 'You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah . If only the People of the Scripture had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient.' - (Surah Aal Imran, v.110)
As Muslims we must remember that our Ummah is the best in the eyes of Allah, and that it is our duty to present the finest example of Islam to our non-Muslim neighbours and those we meet; be they work or school colleagues, or even family members. The Prophet SAW said: 'Not one of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.' (Bukhari) We love for ourselves that we will attain Allah's forgiveness, and we should likewise hope that His guidance should enter the hearts of our non-Muslim acquaintances. Putting this love into action, we should do our best in showing a good example and advising non-Muslims to accept Islam with wisdom and mercy.
One of the main reasons for the misconceptions non-Muslims have about Islam is the way we Muslims deal with them. We often behave without thought for the rights or beliefs of other people. Each of us needs to consider that what we do or say can affect the way people view Muslims and Islam as a whole. Are we ready to be held accountable by Allah for the misguidance of our fellow man?
Knowing that we have the right message, and yet striving not to disrespect another's faith is something we have to find balance in. We can do this by not compromising any aspects of our deen in dealing with non-Muslims. We should take care to avoid mixing of the sexes (except in necessity) and hold firm to avoid such customs as shaking hands with people of the opposite sex. In our workplaces and schools we should approach those in charge and request that we can pray at certain agreed points in the day, rather than simply sneaking off to pray and thereby risk angering the non-Muslims who see this.
Lastly, as Muslims we are often faced with antagonism from non-Muslims. What should we do in those situations? Our blessed Prophet SAW used to bear the hurt caused by non-Muslims with patience. We should know too that the people who antagonise Muslims are ignorant and are in the dark about the true nature of Islam. It is essential that we show them that we are not afraid, rather proud to be Muslim, then pray for their guidance and say:
'Bear witness that we are Muslims' – (Surah Aal Imran, v53)
Allah SWT mentions in the Holy Qur'an: 'You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah . If only the People of the Scripture had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient.' - (Surah Aal Imran, v.110)
As Muslims we must remember that our Ummah is the best in the eyes of Allah, and that it is our duty to present the finest example of Islam to our non-Muslim neighbours and those we meet; be they work or school colleagues, or even family members. The Prophet SAW said: 'Not one of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.' (Bukhari) We love for ourselves that we will attain Allah's forgiveness, and we should likewise hope that His guidance should enter the hearts of our non-Muslim acquaintances. Putting this love into action, we should do our best in showing a good example and advising non-Muslims to accept Islam with wisdom and mercy.
One of the main reasons for the misconceptions non-Muslims have about Islam is the way we Muslims deal with them. We often behave without thought for the rights or beliefs of other people. Each of us needs to consider that what we do or say can affect the way people view Muslims and Islam as a whole. Are we ready to be held accountable by Allah for the misguidance of our fellow man?
Knowing that we have the right message, and yet striving not to disrespect another's faith is something we have to find balance in. We can do this by not compromising any aspects of our deen in dealing with non-Muslims. We should take care to avoid mixing of the sexes (except in necessity) and hold firm to avoid such customs as shaking hands with people of the opposite sex. In our workplaces and schools we should approach those in charge and request that we can pray at certain agreed points in the day, rather than simply sneaking off to pray and thereby risk angering the non-Muslims who see this.
Lastly, as Muslims we are often faced with antagonism from non-Muslims. What should we do in those situations? Our blessed Prophet SAW used to bear the hurt caused by non-Muslims with patience. We should know too that the people who antagonise Muslims are ignorant and are in the dark about the true nature of Islam. It is essential that we show them that we are not afraid, rather proud to be Muslim, then pray for their guidance and say:
'Bear witness that we are Muslims' – (Surah Aal Imran, v53)
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