Still discussing the pathway to Paradise and the best manners that would earn us Muslims such great reward in the Hereafter God Willing. In the previous episode I tackled how good morals and fine manners are inherent in the original Human Fitra (instinct), and I talked about the conditions of humanity before the advent of Islam, particularly the Arabian Peninsula, which was sunk in all kinds of barbarism and ugly manners. It was Islam, completed in the concluding message brought with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), that revived the original Fitra and perfected good manners while rooting out all kinds of misbehavior. The shortest way and the most trusted ever leading up to Paradise is following the Divine guidance sent by Allah; i.e. the quran and the Sunnah of the noble Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon). Those of you who read the Quran and the Prophet’s Tradition (sunnah) extensively must have reckoned the great emphasis both lights lay on the Muslim manners, which occupy even greater space of the the two sources than does the acts of worships and God’s commands as to what to’s lawful and what’s forbidden. On a deeper note, one would find that all commands and passages of the Quran dealing with acts of worship, are closely tied to ethics, further stressing the criticality of upholding fine and good manners similar to those embraced and taught by our beloved Muhammad (PBUH). As stated in the noble Hadith; “I was sent to perfect good character.” Allah didn’t command Muslims to commit to the fulfillment of various acts of Worships such as Prayer, Fasting, Zakah  for the mere sake of those acts, but rather as a means to purify their souls and refine their moral beings. Acts of worship are in their essence a tool that seeks to perfect Muslims’ manners and instill in them the good seed that would positively impact their all acts and dealings, whether with their Lord, their fellow Muslims, or even with their own selves. For example Prayer, besides being a primary institution in Islam that also makes up one of its main five pillars, it acts as a tool of purification for a Muslim; encompassing his whole self, whether Physical, Spiritual or Mental. Prayer coaches the Muslim into paying strict attention to his cleanness, not just his body, but also his heart, and that by refraining by from all evil inclinations, such as envious feelings and those of hatred and disdain. And in congregational prayers, Muslims are taught one crucial moral that of brotherhood and unity which instills in them a sense of completion and warmness. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)  said: “The believers, in their love, mutual kindness, and close ties, are like one body; when any part complains, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” Fasting on the other hand is an act of worship and institution in Islam that, besides being one of its main five pillars, teaches man to keep an alert and clean conscience that’s just and fearful of Allah, scorns his soul when erring, and urging it to uphold righteousness when weakened. Fasting strengthens and purifies human souls, which, while committing to abstaining even from what is lawful during the fasting day, learns to embrace the same behavior towards  all that’s unlawful in normal days and throughout the year, thereby refraining from all that’s forbidden in Islam, whether backbiting, lying or submitting to its base desires. As for Zakah, or alms giving, it has more functions beyond being a main pillar of Islam and one unique institution that establishes an imperative sense of solidarity and brotherhood among the Muslim community and instills crucial moral responsibility towards the society, thereby encouraging further acts of charity and sense of commitment to what safeguards the well-being of the whole Ummah as demonstrated in many instances in the Prophet’s Sunnah and the Noble Quran: In Surah Ad’dharyat, Allah (SWT) says: “And from their properties was [given] the right of the [needy] petitioner and the deprived.”– Quran 51:19 Also in Surah Al Ma’arij: “And those within whose wealth is a known right. For the petitioner and the deprived.” — Quran 70:24-25 Also a deeper look into the Islamic Shariah would show that it guards the entire Muslim manners, consciences, heart, and psyche. Islamic law encompasses all Muslim affairs whether his responsibility towards his Lord, members of his community- Muslims and Non-Muslims alike, and even in dealing with animals and plants among other creatures, encouraging him to deal gently, justly, and fear Allah in all his acts. Thus, Acts of Worship besides being a way of demonstrating obedience and submissiveness to Allah (SWT), His commands and the Sunnah of His Prophet (PBUH), as a well-needed and imperative source of guidance for Muslims, imbibing in them all good manners which, while besides helping them lead a dignified and serene life in this world, grants them Paradise in the Hereafter. By: Hassan Youssuf Omar Posted on: September 8, 2011 Check PART I and PART II of the Series Here: – Stairway to Paradise PART I – Stairway to Paradise PART II