In the following pages, Ikhlaq-e-Hasana—Ideal Conduct or behavior for a true Muslim—is given. Each and every line is a translation or adaptation from the Holy Qur'an that has been interpreted in the light of present day circumstances. 

A person who regulates his conduct to Adab or Islamic code of Conduct or Ikhlaq-e-Muhammadi is in fact a friend of Allah, Wali (saint). A person who calls himself a saint but does not follow this Islamic code of Conduct, then he is a Satan in the guise of a saint. An ordinary Muslim who does not identify himself with Ikhlaq-e-Muhammadi is defeating the very purpose for which this world was created, Messengers were sent, and the Holy Qu’ran was revealed. One thing should be remembered that Adab and Ikhlaq-e-Muhammadi are quite opposite to Hindu and western cultures. Hence a true Muslim is one who identifies himself with the Last Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam.

"Verily (O’ Muhammad) you are exalted in your conduct."

The morals, manners and conduct of the Last Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, were perfected by Almighty Allah—who taught him, with a view to educate mankind. According to Hazrat Abu Huraira, the Holy Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, had said, "I have been sent as a Messenger in order to perfect the morals and conduct of mankind." As a matter of fact, certain previous Messengers were links in the chain of human moral evolution which found its culmination in the person of the Last Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam. Allah Almighty is the teacher of the Holy Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, in perfecting in him the best of moral conduct—Ikhlaq-e-Hasna. In Holy Qur’an, one sees how the Pupil, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, is being taught by The Teacher.

"(O’ Messenger) Forgive the wrongs of people and show them path of righteousness and keep away from the ignorants." [Holy Qur’an]

"Allah commands you to do justice, kindness and give charity to relatives and forbids you from all acts of lewdness, evil, and rebellion." [Holy Qur’an]

"(Men of Allah) Control their anger, and forgive people; Allah likes righteous people." [Holy Qur’an]

As a matter of fact, Allah the Most High has revealed his guidance in many forms; first of all He revealed and culminated His revelation in the person of the Holy Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, which is contained in the form of a Book called the Holy Qur’an. Hence is known as al-Qur’an-e-Natiq—the speaking Qur’an, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam.

Similarly Allah the Great, has manifested each and every sign (called verse in English, which is an incorrect translation of Ayat: miraculous sign) contained in the Holy Qur’an in the universe and each and every second he is still guiding mankind through the various aspects of the Holy Qur’an. Therefore, all the aspects of divine guidance are directly concerned with the perfection of humanity. Moral conduct of a man is meant to help him realize his goal—Al-Insan al-Kamil, viceroy of God. Thus, all those who shall follow the path of perfection—Ikhlaq-e-Muhammadi—shall become a beloved of Allah and shall be blessed with very quick results.

"Verily He loves them and they love Him." [Holy Qur’an]

It is the objective of the Holy Qur’an to impart education of etiquette and conduct of the Holy Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, so that through him the entire humanity is taught etiquettes and becomes cultured. Hence the Holy Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, has said that "I am the Messenger to complete the evolution of perfect conduct." Then the Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, educated the people on these lines. When Allah the Almighty had perfected conduct in the person of the Holy Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, He said, "Verily (O’ Messenger) your conduct is the best." How kind and merciful is Allah, the Almighty that He Himself praises the conduct of his Beloved, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam. Educating people the Holy Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, Allah appreciates good conduct and dislikes poor conduct. In this connection, Hazrat Ali (radhi Allahu ‘anhu) said, "I fear for that Muslim to whom a brother Muslim came seeking fulfillment of some problem and the former is unable to help him, even though he may not hope for reward and fear of punishment in the Hereafter. Then it is compulsory for him to exhibit good conduct for in it lies his Nijat (salvation)." The Holy Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, has said, "I swear by Him in whose hands is my life, that only those with good conduct will enter Paradise." There is a tradition narrated by Hazrat Mu’az bin Jabal that the Holy Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, has said, "Allah has made Islam very precise in two things, one Akhlaq-e-Husna, and the other, good deeds."

Briefly the main features of Akhlaq-e-Husna and good deeds are the following:

1. To live together in affection;
2. To perform good deeds;
3. To deal with people humanely;
4. To give alms;
5. To distribute food;
6. To say Salaam extensively (only on Muslims);
7. To visit and care for sick Muslims;
8. To accompany the Janaza of a Muslim irrespective of his being a good or bad Muslim;
9. Always to live in harmony and understanding with Muslims and/or infidels;
10. To respect aged Muslims;
11. To accept an invitation from a Muslim;
12. To extend invitation to other Muslims;
13. To forgive people;
14. To maintain peace and harmony among people;
15. To give charity;
16. To extend Salaam first;
17. To save oneself from Haram things, e.g. dancing, music, singing, backbiting, loose talk, lewdness, miserliness, ill manners.

There is a tradition narrated by Hazrat Anas that the Holy Last Messenger, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, has not omitted any good instruction which he has not told us nor has he omitted to mention any defect, which he has not forbidden us or invoked the fear of Allah. The above points are covered in the following Qur’anic Ayat:

"Allah commands (O People) to do justice, charity, and give some of your goods to your relatives and forbids lewdness, evil deeds and unruliness."

Hazrat Mu’az bin Jabal has said that the Holy Last Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam, advised me,

"O’ Mu’az, I advise you to always fear Allah, speak the truth, fulfill promises, do not break a trust, be kind to orphans, be considerate to your neighbors, deal softly with people and extensively do Salaam to them, do good deeds, do not retain great expectation in your heart, remain steadfast in your belief, try to understand the Holy Qur’an, develop love for the Hereafter, have fear of the Day of Judgement, inculcate humility, obedience and modesty. I forbid you to abuse a wise person and intelligent person. Do not call a truthful person a liar, do not obey a sinful person, do not disobey a just ruler, do not create dissension and unrest. I advise you to fear Allah even though you may have nothing more than barren stones. On each sin seek fresh forgiveness, for those committed in private and for those committed openly."

Hence the Master of both worlds is mindful in minute details of Adab and Conduct. He invites people to good deeds in order to make them obedient and cultured.