The Ideal Muslim and His Community
Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi offers more than 60 practical tips

1. He is truthful

2. He does not cheat, deceive or stab in the back

3. He is not envious

4. He is sincere

5. He keeps his promises

6. He has a good attitude towards others and treats them well

7. He is characterized by shyness

8. He is gentle towards people

9. He is compassionate and merciful

10. He is tolerant and forgiving

11. He is easy-going in his business dealings

12. He is of cheerful countenance

13. He has a sense of humour

14. He is patient

15. He avoids cursing and foul language

16. He does not falsely accuse anyone of disbelief

17. He is modest and discreet

18. He dos not interfere in that which does not concern him

19. He refrains from backbiting and slander

20. He avoids giving false statements

21. He avoids suspicion

22. He keeps secrets

23. He does not converse privately with another person when there is a third person present

24. He is not arrogant or proud

25. He is humble and modest

26. He does not make fun of anyone

27. He respects elders and distinguished people

28. He mixes with people of noble character

29. He strives for people’s benefits and seeks to protect hem from harm

30. He strives to reconcile between Muslims

31. He calls people to truth

32. He enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil

33. He is wise and eloquent in his da`wah [invitation to Islam]

34. He is not a hypocrite

35. He does not show off or boast

36. He is straightforward and consistent in his adherence to the truth

37. He visits the sick

38. He attends funerals

39. He repays favours and is grateful for them

40. He mixes with people and puts up with their insults

41. He tries to make people happy

42. He guides others to righteous deeds

43. He is easy on people, not hard

44. He is fair in his judgment of people

45. He does not oppress or mistreat others

46. He loves noble things and always aims high

47. His speech is not exaggerated or affected

48. He does not rejoice in the misfortunes of others

49. He is generous

50. He does not remind the beneficiaries of his charity

51. He is hospitable

52. He prefers others to himself

53. He helps to alleviate the burden of the debtor

54. He is proud and does not beg

55. He is friendly and likeable

56. He checks his customs and habits against Islamic standards

57. He follows Islamic manners in the way he eats and drinks

58. He spreads the greeting of salam

59. He does not enter a house other than his own without permission

60. He sits wherever he finds room in a gathering

61. He avoids yawning in a gathering as much as he can

62. He follows the Islamic etiquette when he sneezes

63. He does not look into other people’s houses

64. He does not imitate women.

© 1999 IIPH