In Islam, we learn how to behave nicely. We learn how to be kind, polite, and clean. We also learn how to sit and act in a group. A group where people sit and talk is called a gathering. It can be a family gathering, a class at school, or a group of friends. Sometimes it is at a mosque, a home, or at a party. In all places, we must follow the etiquettes of a gathering. Etiquettes are good manners. Islam teaches us the best manners for gatherings. When we follow them, Allah becomes happy. People also like us. They say, “This child has very good manners!”
Saying Salam
The first etiquette is to say Salam. When we go into a room or gathering, we should say, “Assalamu Alaikum.” This means “Peace be upon you.” It is a beautiful Islamic greeting. When we say Salam, we get rewards. The other person says back, “Wa Alaikum Assalam.” This makes hearts happy. We should also smile when we greet others. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Smiling is a charity.” So we should smile and be kind.
Sitting with Respect
The second etiquette is to ask permission before sitting. If people are already sitting, we should say, “Can I sit here?” We do not push or jump to sit first. We wait our turn. If there is no space, we should wait or sit nicely without disturbing others. If someone is already sitting in a spot, we do not tell them to move. That is not nice. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not make someone stand up and take their place.” Everyone has a right to sit where they came first.
Cleanliness, Good Words, and Helping
The third etiquette is to say Bismillah before we start anything in the gathering, especially if we are eating. Bismillah means “In the name of Allah.” Saying Bismillah brings blessings. If someone forgets to say it at the start, they can say “Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu,” which means “In the name of Allah, at its beginning and its end.”
The fourth etiquette is to sit properly. We do not lie down or stretch our legs in front of people. We do not turn our back to others. We sit in a clean and respectful way. We also sit quietly when someone is talking. We listen carefully. We do not make noise, laugh loudly, or shout. Loudness disturbs people. Allah loves people who are calm and quiet.
The fifth etiquette is to not interrupt others. If someone is talking, we wait for them to finish. We raise our hand if we want to speak in a classroom. We do not shout over others. The Prophet ﷺ always listened first. Then he spoke kindly. We must do the same. When we speak, we should use soft and kind words. We do not say bad words. We do not tease or make fun.
Respect, Patience, and Dhikr
The sixth etiquette is to not whisper or leave people out. If three people are in a group, two should not whisper. The third person will feel left out. That is not nice. The Prophet ﷺ said, “If you are three, two should not talk secretly leaving the third out.” We must include everyone. We should share and make others feel happy.
The seventh etiquette is to speak good words. We should talk about good things—like stories of the Prophet, Islamic teachings, or kind jokes. We should not gossip or talk badly about others. Gossip is called Gheebah. It means talking behind someone’s back. It is very bad in Islam. If we don’t have anything good to say, we should stay quiet. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or stay silent.”
The eighth etiquette is to not laugh at others. Sometimes someone makes a mistake, or they speak differently. We should never laugh at them. That is hurting someone’s heart. Allah does not like that. The Quran says, “Do not mock one another.” We must be kind to all.
The ninth etiquette is to keep gatherings short and useful. We should not sit for too long unless it is needed. The Prophet ﷺ’s gatherings were short but full of good words. He gave time for rest and other duties. If someone needs to go, we let them go. We do not force anyone to stay.
Ending the Gathering
The tenth etiquette is to keep the gathering clean. If we eat something, we throw the trash in the bin. If we spill water, we clean it. If toys or books are used, we put them back. Cleanliness is part of our faith. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Cleanliness is half of faith.” We should always leave a place better than we found it.
The eleventh etiquette is to remember Allah in the gathering. We should say SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and other good words. We can recite a short surah or share a Hadith. These things bring barakah (blessing) to our gathering. The Prophet ﷺ liked to remember Allah in his gatherings. If we do so, angels come and make dua for us.
The twelfth etiquette is to end the gathering with dua. The Prophet ﷺ used to say this dua at the end:
“Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika,
ash-hadu an la ilaha illa anta,
astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk.”
This means, “O Allah, You are perfect, and all praise is for You. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I ask Your forgiveness and turn to You.” When we say this, Allah forgives small mistakes that happened during the gathering.
Final Advice
The thirteenth etiquette is to respect elders and love younger ones. In a gathering, we give space to elders. We let them sit first. We listen to their stories. We also play kindly with younger children. We do not hit or push. We treat everyone nicely. This is the Sunnah of our Prophet ﷺ.
The fourteenth etiquette is to not talk too much. Talking too much can make others bored or tired. We should talk a little and listen more. That way, everyone gets a turn to speak. If someone is shy, we gently ask them to share. We must not talk only about ourselves.
The fifteenth etiquette is to not fight or argue. If we disagree, we can speak kindly. We do not shout or become angry. We say, “Let us agree to be kind.” If someone is angry, we help them calm down. If we are wrong, we say sorry. Saying sorry makes hearts soft. Allah loves those who forgive.
The sixteenth etiquette is to not bring bad things to the gathering. We do not bring bad jokes, bad videos, or bad talk. We keep our gathering full of light and peace. We say, “This is a gathering to please Allah.” We check that everything we do is good and allowed in Islam.
The seventeenth etiquette is to help others. If someone drops something, we pick it up. If someone is thirsty, we offer water. If someone is new, we help them feel welcome. We say, “Come sit with us!” Helping others brings joy and reward. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever helps his brother, Allah helps him.”
The eighteenth etiquette is to not stay too long at someone’s house. When we visit someone’s home, we do not stay until they become tired. We say, “Thank you,” and leave at a good time. The Quran teaches us to eat, talk nicely, and then go home without bothering people.
The nineteenth etiquette is to not take photos or videos without asking. If someone does not want to be in a photo, we respect them. Privacy is important in Islam. We say, “May I take a picture?” If they say no, we stop. That is respect. That is love.
The last etiquette is to leave with Salam. When we go home from a gathering, we say “Assalamu Alaikum” again. We smile and wave. We thank the host. We say, “Thank you for having me.” These are the manners of a good Muslim.
Conclusion
In Islam, gatherings are a time to spread love, knowledge, and kindness. Our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had beautiful manners in his gatherings. He was gentle, wise, and full of light. He never hurt anyone. He always made people feel good. We must try to be like him.
So dear, let us remember all these etiquettes. Next time we go to a gathering, let us do the following: Smile, say Salam, sit nicely, listen, speak kindly, clean up, and remember Allah. Let us make our gatherings a place of joy and blessing. Let us be the Good human who spread peace and goodness, just like the Prophet ﷺ taught us. Ameen.